Readers' Theater Gives Life to Rediscovered 1800s Travel Diary
February 26, 2016 — What was it like to cross the Atlantic in 1828 from England to New York City on an American sailing ship?
The Friends of the Library will present a readers’ theater performance, “A Voyage From England,” based on the “found” journal of English gentleman John Salmon's experiences during his transatlantic journey. The event is at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, in the Library Center auditorium, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. It is sponsored by the Ozarks Genealogical Society.
Friends of the Library members discovered Salmon’s intact journal in a box of donated books meant for a book sale. The donor is unknown. Friends members decided to give Salmon’s adventure new life, and wrote a readers’ theater performance based on Salmon’s own words.
The Englishman’s journey took from April 19 to May 16, 1828 aboard the American “bark” sailing ship Chelsea, departing from Portsmouth, England, and arriving in New York City.
The performance reflects Salmon’s feelings, remembrances, faith, interactions and hopes. He also describes the events and conditions aboard the ship. The Friends also discovered the ship’s manifest of passengers and cargo.
For more information call 882-0714.