Burke to portray Oliver Wolcott at next CLHS program

The County Line Historical Society of Wayne/Holmes will play host to John Burke, “The Portrayal of Oliver Wolcott,” during a program Saturday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. at the historic Shreve Presbyterian Church, 343 N. Market St., Shreve.

Burke portrays Oliver Wolcott. He is a lifelong resident of Medina County and traces his ancestry back to the first pioneers in Valley City in the early 1800s. Well-known for his Native American interpretations, Burke has lectured at schools, libraries, senior centers, parks, Scouts, and historical and fraternal organizations, as well as being a key participant at Medina County Parks’ Pioneer in the Park Weekend each October.

Nationally, Burke portrayed Lakota Sioux War Chief Crow King in the 125th anniversary reenactment of Custer’s Last Stand at the Little Bighorn in Montana in 2001. In 2009 he participated in the 250th anniversary of the siege of Fort Niagara with 3,500 British, French and Indian reenactors. In 2012 he was at the 200th anniversary reenactment of the siege of Fort Meigs.

Burke also has portrayed Capt. Wolf, a Lenape (Delaware) Indian who lived in Medina County and was active in the War of 1812. In addition, he has participated in other national events including the Eastern Primitive and Old Northwest Rendezvous.

Burke lives in Medina Township with his wife Lisa and son Matthew and has been Medina County treasurer since 1994.

Oliver Wolcott, originally from Connecticut and a Yale-educated lawyer, was a soldier in the French and Indian War, a major general of the Connecticut militia, and a Founding Father who signed both the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation.

Hear the story of the Declaration of Independence, some anecdotes and about some of the other Founding Fathers.

Burke offers interpretations of more than a dozen different Native Americans and historic figures, each dressed in regalia he has made using period materials, often duplicating authentic museum pieces.

Standard presentations are a classroom length of about 45-55 minutes. These lectures include audience participation.

The event is free to attend. Parking is across North Market Street from the historic Shreve Presbyterian Church.