As a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, I taught sections of a required public speaking class for several years. Later, as part of my Schubert Club job, I made presentations and gave tours of the Musical Instrument Museum. I dressed in a costume (mid-point in The Schubert Club's 125-year history) to give a talk on that organization (for public events and for a D.A.R. group). I have also spoken about my book, Baghdad Barcarolle, and the woman who inspired it.
For the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, I portrayed Margaret Mackworth, Viscontess Rhondda, as the narrator for a music and history presentation for the St. David's Society of Minnesota. I have continued to research both this event and this remarkable woman. The Lusitania is just part of her story, and I am working on future presentations.
In 1913, I served as emcee at the St. David's Day banquet for this same organization. (What with the focus on Welsh heritage, I was technically an "em-ess," as I was Meistres y Seremoniau.)
