Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does this cost?
A: Nothing.  It's Free.  There is no charge for the presentation and no request for expenses.  I won't accept any honoraria or payment.

Q: How far will you travel?
A: Generally, I put a limit of a 50-mile radius from San Ramon, CA 94583.  Further than that would be quite a trip.

Q: How long are the presentations?
A: It depends on how much time you have per class.  Many schools use the "block" or "core" system, where there are 2 sequential class periods.  This allows for 90-100 minute presentations, while some classes are as short as 45 minutes.  Either is acceptable, but I recommend at least 90 minutes.  On rare instances, I have done 120 minutes long -- which is great!

Q: When do you do your presentations?
A: My calendar follows the most common calendar for local schools:  Revolutionary War in the Fall and Civil War in the Spring.

Q:Why are you doing this?
A: I love history.  It's fun for me and I have had students come to me 3 or 4 years later and tell me that my presentation made history a more appealing subject.  I enjoy making it come alive for students.

Study after study shows that history is considered the most boring subject in school by teens.  That's a sad fact.  America has a rich history built by many diverse people.  If I can make it more interesting, even for a couple of hours, maybe they will appreciate it more.