- This event has passed.
Dolley Madison: Political Influencer
The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) will hold its March monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 12 at 7 pm featuring professional actor and historical interpreter Cynthia Janzen who will discuss the background and early influences that led to the “creation” of the woman who is often considered the first First Lady. (Janzen will give the presentation as herself, not in character as Dolley Madison.) Through careful crafting of her person, surroundings and relationships, Dolley Madison redefined the position of First Lady from an honorary, and to some burdensome, position into an occupation. So influential was she, that Charles Coatsworth Pinkney claimed about his election loss to James Madison that “[He] might have had a better chance if [he] had faced Mr. Madison alone. [He] was beaten by Mr. and Mrs. Madison.”
Janzen interpreted Betsy Ross at the Betsy Ross House and performed as other notable women from history, as well as historically based fictional characters for Historic Philadelphia between 2001 and 2007. In 2007 she embarked on portrayals of Dolley Madison independently and for American Historical Theatre. She has appeared at numerous venues including Federal Hall, The National Portrait Gallery and Archives, Mount Vernon, as well as at Tour Associations, libraries, and historical societies. She’s even performed for the staff of the White House. Additionally she has appeared on film as Dolley for the Smithsonian’s documentary Star Spangled Banner, and for Mount Vernon’s educational film Remember the Ladies in which she, Martha Washington, and Abigail Adams interpreters were interviewed by the late Cokie Roberts. Janzen has also been artistic and executive director of History First Hand and American Historical Theatre.
The meeting is held at 114 Market Street on the 2nd floor of Philly’s Gourmet Steaks. Come early for dinner and drinks! The meeting will be in-person and livestreamed on Zoom.
The Zoom link will be shared in the APT Tour Talk newsletter the week of the meeting. Non-members should email Marianne Ruane at president@phillyguides.org no later than 5 pm the day of the meeting to receive the Zoom link. A recording will be available on the APT YouTube page for a month following the talk.
APT meetings are open to aspiring and working tour guides as well as anyone with an interest in Philadelphia-focused history. Attend one meeting for free and then it is $60 to join the association for the year or $10 per monthly meeting in-person event. Zoom meetings are free. Please join us for convivial company, good food, fascinating presentations, and lively discussions.