Washington Visits WDS

OCTOBER 3, 6:30PM. GENERAL WASHINGTON TO RETURN TO WEBB HOUSE AFTER 238 YEARS

He was a magnificent dancer, the most graceful figure seen on horseback (according to Thomas Jefferson), an astute politician, and he had a terrific throwing arm. Abigail Adams was very impressed with him. So, when John Koopman III steps forward as General George Washington at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum (WDS) he’ll have to fill some very imposing shoes. Koopman’s appearance will be on October 3, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., and be preceded by a wine reception, by donation, at 6 p.m. in the Webb Barn. Admission is free for members, $5 for nonmembers, payable at the door. A signing of his book, “George Washington at War – 1776,” will follow.

Known for his uncanny resemblance to General Washington and his skillful dialogue as such, Koopman will bring history to life and transport attendees back to the battlefield and the fireside of the Webb House. In May 1781, the home of Joseph Webb (now the heart of WDS) served as Washington’s Connecticut headquarters for five nights and is where he and French General Rochambeau planned the joint military campaign that led to the victory at Yorktown and the end of the American Revolution.

During his portrayal, Koopman will focus on the early stages of the Revolutionary War, and touch on Washington’s trip to Wethersfield, and the role played by Samuel Webb, stepson and secretary to Silas Deane. Webb was an aide-de-camp to Washington and later served as a “Master of Ceremony” during Washington’s inauguration in 1789.

Koopman’s illustrious moonlighting career provides a sharp contrast to his “day job” as a technician for an alternative-energy company. He began as a continental foot soldier in the Second Regiment Light Dragoons during the Colchester tricentenary in 1998, and later transitioned to portraying a horseman. Koopman’s commander thought he might make a good George Washington, and the die was cast. He has been portraying the nation’s most famous general at reenactments from Massachusetts to Virginia ever since.

Koopman has portrayed Washington in documentaries shown at state and national parks, on television, and for national theatrical release, including the “Mount Vernon Revolutionary War 4D Experience” film (2017); the Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitors Center film (2013); “The American Revolution” for the American Heroes Channel (2014), and “America” (in theaters, 2014). His book, “George Washington at War – 1776,” is available on Amazon.

About the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
Located in the heart of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum provides the quintessential New England experience – from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. Tours include the 1752 Joseph Webb House, where General George Washington met with French General Rochambeau and planned the military campaign leading to the end of the Revolutionary War, the 1770 Silas Deane House, built for America’s first diplomat to France, and the 1788 Isaac Stevens House, which depicts Connecticut life in the 18th and 19th centuries. For more information visit: www.webb-deane-stevens.org or call (860) 529-0612. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDSMUSEUM.

Date

Oct 03 2019
Expired!

Time

6:30 pm - 12:00 am

Location

Webb Deane Stevens Museum
211 Main Street

Organizer

Webb Deane Stevens Museum
Phone
860-529-0612
Website
https://wdsmuseum.org