He authored the Declaration of Independence, served as the third president of the United States and presided over the Louisiana Purchase.
So what’s next for famed Founding Father Thomas Jefferson?
A little speaking engagement in Oxford, Michigan.
Jefferson – as portrayed by historical re-enactor Daniel David, 45, of Dearborn Heights – is scheduled to speak in the LGI room of Oxford Middle School at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The event is open to the general public and there’s no admission cost.
Dressed as the gentleman planter from the Commonwealth of Virginia, David will read the Declaration of Independence and a letter to fellow founder John Adams which outlines much of Jefferson’s “vision of America” and “defines his social philosphy.”
“The whole thing should last about an hour,” said Oxford resident Rod Charles, a Certified Financial Planner with Financial Freedom Group, who’s co-sponsoring the event in conjunction with Oxford Twp. Parks & Recreation.
Charles, a student of history and politics, said he hopes the historical re-enactment will be a fun, as well as educational, community event for both adults and school children.
David, who began portraying Jefferson this past summer, said he hopes to expose audience members to some of the Virginian’s writings and “reacquaint or acquaint people with some of the principles upon which this nation was founded.”
David said he believes the United States has “strayed from its founding principles” as many citizens have either “forgotten” or “lost touch” with them.
When asked why he chose to portray Jefferson, David explained that “more than anybody else,” including all the Founding Fathers, it was the Virginia statesman’s “ideas, principles and values” which shaped the new republic.
“The core values that define America are reflective of the values of Jefferson,” he said. For that reason, David refers to Jefferson as the “philosophical father of the country.”
Besides becoming acquainted with the ideas of Jefferson, which “ever American should be,” David said he hopes his re-enactment will “instill a desire (in audience members) to get more acquainted with their heritage” as Americans.
David’s fascination with and admiration for Jefferson led him to write a play entitled “Jefferson Lives!” in which the Founding Father returns to the United States during modern times to “set (the country) back on course.” He’s currently rendering it to book form.
For more information about the re-enactment call Oxford Twp. Parks & Recreation at (248) 628-1720.