Portrayed by Bill Barker of Colonial Williamsburg, VA
Meet one of the most popular presidents in U.S. History and signer of the U.S. Constitution. Bill Barker of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will have you believe you are in the presence of this remakable historic figure. Ask what you want of the 3rd president, because this reenactor is a true scholar on the life of Thomas Jefferson and rarely comes out of character, even when he leaves the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg, VA!

Mr. Barker has enjoyed portraying Thomas Jefferson in a variety of settings over the past twenty years. He first came to Williamsburg in the spring of 1993 to perform as Jefferson in a film made to honor Ambassador and Mrs. Walter H. Annenberg. He has continued to appear as Jefferson for Colonial Williamsburg, and assists in the development of Jefferson programs for the Foundation. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Mr. Barker's interest in Thomas Jefferson reaches back to his youth. He enjoys researching the American world Jefferson knew, with an interest in the role the man played and continues to play in our American identity. Mr. Barker received a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in history, from Villanova University and attended the University of Pennsylvania for a brief time. Attracted to the stage at an early age he became a professional actor, director and producer. He was cast as Jefferson in many different venues including the musical 1776. Mr. Barker is the same height, weight and general appearance as Mr. Jefferson. Over the years he has evolved a repertoire of Jefferson presentations tailored to corporate and government audiences, as well as schools, societies and festivals. Mr. Barker performed as Jefferson at the White House, the Palace of Versailles and throughout the United States, Great Britain, France and the Las Vegas Strip! He presented for Chautauqua and has been featured as Jefferson in several magazines including Time, People, Atlantic, Philadelphia

Portrayed by Karen McGee, Seagrove Beach, FL
Hear from President Lyndon Johnson's wife, Lady Bird Johnson, as she describes life at The White House, her life’s passion, and what it’s like to be married to one of America’s most colorful presidents. She’ll tell you some secrets about her 1964 Whistle Stop Campaign throughout the South, where you’ll be shocked to learn how this once painfully shy woman became the Johnson Campaign's secret weapon. She'll describe some highlights of her life, from her lonely childhood in East Texas, to her fight with the Texas Department of Transportation to encourage the planting of wildflowers on Texas highways in the years after Lyndon Johnson was gone.

Mrs. McGee has a deep interest in the life and contributions of Lady Bird Johnson and has performed monologue presentations of the former first lady at local events during the past several years. She will be "in character" as Lady Bird Johnson during a performance tea at the official 2012 Florida Chautauqua Assembly. She has been a presenter at past assemblies including a monologue performance about Walton County History titled Graveyards in the Pines. She has also been seen onstage at The Chautauqua Theater as Kate in Sylvia in the 2004 season. She was Assistant Director of “I Hate Hamlet,” also in DeFuniak Springs. She appeared in Girls of the Garden Club and The Farnsworth Avenue Townwomen’s Guild Murder Mystery. She makes her home in Seagrove Beach in South Walton County.

Portrayed by Jim Moore of Crestview, FL and Norman "Moni" Boling of Pace, FL
Following the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend, the General and the Chief enter discussions for a Treaty with the Creeks requiring the relinquishment of over 23 million acres of Creek territory. Re-enactors Jim Moore and Moni Boling will play the roles of this important event which was a stepping stone on Jackson’s road to the presidency.

Jim Moore is a yarn spinner by hobby. A graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida, he started storytelling as a Scoutmaster years ago and has parlayed his performance for regular appearance for the Florida League of Arts and the Florida Chautauqua Assembly, historical societies, and civic clubs. He has authored several historical books on the history of Florida's panhandle. He resides near the Poverty Creek community in Okaloosa County, Florida and is one of the owners of the Holiday Inn Express in Niceville.

Norman C. "Moni" Boling is a new presenter at the Chautauqua Assembly this year. He holds a BS degree in Business from Florida State University and is a retired Major from the military. He ws awarded the Bronze Star Award for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2033, as well as many other awards and decorations. His last assignment was at the University of West Florida Pensacola as military science insructor, operations-training, and executive officer. He is a Scoutmaster of Troop 400 in Pace, Florida, where he lives with his wife, Dr. Charlotte Boling, assistant dean and professor at the University of West Florida. They have two daughters, one married and one a junior at FSU. Moni will be portraing the Creek Indian Chief, William Weatherford, with President Andrew Jackson (portrayed by Jim Moore) as they discuss the Treaty of 1814, a major milestone on General Jackson's road to the presidency.

Portrayed by Brenda Rees, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Walton County namesake George Walton Jr.'s daughter, Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert, is portrayed by Brenda Rees. Octavia's rich and famous history is weaved through the early territorial days of Florida and Walton County. She counted among her friends and admirers Henry Clay, Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe. Octavia's family connections, brilliant mind and reputation as the "Belle of the South" carried her through all the famous circles of the day from presidents, politicians, performers, the Pope, and Queen Victoria. Henry Marie Brackenridge, Judge of West Florida and resident of Walton's first county seat in Alaqua, was her tutor. Some of their letters will be shared. Octavia's vibrant personality and world class lifestyle is revealed and shared in the relaxing tea atmosphere.

Mrs. Rees is a reinactor who plays the part of Octavia Walton Le Vert, a local historical figure who once traveled the world and befriended many famous people. Mrs. Rees has a B.A. from Sam Houston State University, a M.Ed. from Texas A&M University, additional history work at the University of West Florida, and has Florida Master Naturalist certification. She was a presenter at the 2006 Gulf South History and Humanities Conference and has been a frequent presenter at the Florida Chautauqua Assembly in recent years. From revealing Walton County namesake's George Walton Jr.'s portrait for today's citizens to initiating a Walton County 200 Countdown Celebration, Mrs. Rees has spent years researching unique facts, pictures, maps and details of Walton County's and Florida's past. Through her portrayal of George Walton Jr.'s daughter, Madame Octavia Walton Le Vert, she has illuminated the culture and education of early West Florida.