Article in The Florida Times Union County Line Sat. Jan. 3 1998, for Green Cove Springs Middle School. The old English carol Deck the Halls explains a Christmas custom still in the United States today. But the Costumes Claudia Wrigley's eighth-grade American history students donned recently were festive, but a little behind the times… about 200 years…. The class re-enacted an early American Christmas on Dec.16 at Green Cove Springs Middle School that not only featured authentic clothing, decorations, and food of the late 18th century, but also entertained guests with music, games and Benjamin Franklin.  What started as a costume for a party he attended has grown in popularity. "Mr. Franklin" spun tales about his personal life and what life was like in the 18th century. He visited the class the day before to get to know the students so they could interact with him more naturally during the reception….. Dressed as Franklin, Art Yeaman added a touch of realism to the event.

Monday April 6th 1998 The interpretation of Ben's story was well presented by the actor/storyteller… Fletcher was still talking about it the following morning… I enjoyed the authentic nature of the presentation … Keep up the good work!… Bringing history alive to young people is important… Pleasant speaking voice, good stories; fine wooden model of early printing press… Enjoy the presentation would like to have Ben come back to Fletcher Middle School again… Fletcher Middle School, Jacksonville Beach, FL

May 1998 Old Kings Elementary School, Bunnell Florida, Flagler County When Dr. Ben Franklin walks into the room, his historic past follows close behind. Citizens of all ages are compelled to listen and learn as he weaves a tapestry of tales of times past. He is Ben Franklin, inventor, innovator, and author of common expressions we all use. "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a young man healthy, wealthy and wise." Let Ben come and chat with you. You will be amazed at the number of benefits we have because his mind was constantly seeking to improve life for everyone. This is learning as it should be. Informative, entertaining, and engaging, Ben Franklin will leave everyone with an understanding and a vision of history that will not be forgotten. Mary Lee Sweet, Media Specialist.

October 1998- From one Teacher to another... To Whom It May Concern: I would like to share with other teachers the wonderful learning experience we had at our school when Benjamin Franklin himself came to visit! Art Yeaman is a storyteller and reenactor who plays Dr. Franklin to perfection! He wears a very authentic-looking colonial costume and tells stories of Ben's life in the first person. He looks exactly like the picture of Ben Franklin in our history book! The experience is almost eerie-- Art looks so much like Ben and talks the way Ben must have talked and even walks with a slight limp because of his "gout." He makes you forget he is not the real thing.

               He spoke to our whole school, ages kindergarten through 8th grade, and he kept their attention for a full hour with his interesting stories and sayings. He brought a model of the printing press so he could show us how it worked, as well as a ship model and copies of the Declaration of Independence. From his waistcoat pocket, he pulled out the famous key which he tied to his kite in his electricity experiment. He also brought a butter churn, and every child got the opportunity to help churn butter. Then, using a quill pen, he gave all the kids Ben Franklin's autograph in handwriting that looked just like the way Ben signed his name on the Declaration of Independence! My class had just read a biography of Ben Franklin, but we learned so much more about him from Art's visit. I highly recommend him to any teacher who wishes to give students a hands-on experience with American history! Marjorie F. Zander, Jordan Glen School, Archer, Florida

Summer Library Programs Dear Mr. Yeaman; On behalf of the Brown Eastside Library staff and customers, our special thanks to you and your wife, Jenny for your fine presentation. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the authentic costumes, pictures, models and replicas in addition to your appearance as Doctor Franklin. The children enjoyed meeting both of you and getting autographs and handouts. You truly made Ben Franklin "come alive" for us!  We look forward to any future appearance with the Jacksonville Public Library. Sincerely, Paul M. Stella, Youth Librarian, Brown Eastside Branch Library,

City of Jacksonville, Florida  EXPLORATION EXPLOSION! 1998  CERTIFICATE

FLYP, The State of Florida Library, and the Jacksonville Public Library

General Comments for program participants...

"Fantastic, Very enjoyable… Very Educational, very well presented a lot of information shared… It was a wondrous program … Depth of knowledge about his life & era… Live history presentation w/hands on…. I like the easy going narrative & the printing press model… I enjoyed the description of Thomas Jefferson & the rocking chair, loved the lighting story and butter churn… What I liked the most was the costume.. I thought I was back in time... I believe the he may really be Dr. Franklin... He gets the kids interest in asking questions… All the interesting tidbits about Ben Franklin's, he set the stage, for more learning and teaching... Enjoyed the presentation and liked hearing about his family... I like when he talked about the inventions. I think I want to be an inventor too... It was an excellent presentation... I like the costume and manner, very professional he handled the crowd well... Great presentation... The language, keeping the attention of the younger listeners...

Many Folks have stated... "I learned more American History in 45 minutes than any two years of schooling..."