Stories

George Burroughs: Underground Railroad Conductor

September 18, 2023

A fascinating story of a Canadian born black man who chose to leave the safety of Canada to help freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

This narrative uses the actual words written by George Burroughs and reflects the times in which he lived. This episode is narrated by Beatrice Bonner and Tony Young. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.

Narrator — Beatrice Bonner and Tony Young

Bea Bonner got her start in radio as a multimedia consultant and co-host at Teen Talk Radio Theatre in Chicago while attending high school. She has worked for NPR Illinois 91.9 UIS since 2017 in multiple roles. She is currently the editor and co-host of the show Community Voices where she has interviewed interesting people from all walks of life. Bea also coordinates station engagement events such as the NPR Illinois This I Believe Essay Program. You can also hear Bea as a frequent guest on podcasts such as Beyond the Mouse on the Front Row Network. She has appeared in multiple UIS Theatre productions.

Bea completed the Capital Honors Scholars Program majoring in communication at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) in 2018. She received her master's in communication from UIS in 2020. She is also a member of one of the historically Black Greek Letter organizations Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.

Tony Young is an accomplished stage actor, a superb vocal artist and all around nice creative individual.  He is actively engaged in the Springfield, Illinois theatrical community and has been acting for 39 years.  He has been involved in film, commercials, theater, voiceovers and been a director. 

He is married, has two children and six grandchildren.     

+ Podcast and Video Credits

Springfield Soldier’s Aid Society: Women on the Homefront during the Civil War

July 27, 2023

Discover how women in Springfield, Illinois organized during the Civil War to assist the boys in blue providing food, clothing, bandages and other necessities during the war.

Narration was provided by, Joe Crain and Vanessa Ferguson. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.

Narrator — Joe Crain and Vanessa Ferguson

Joe Crain is a well-known media personality in Springfield and central Illinois. After nearly 25 years either behind a radio microphone or in front of a television camera with area broadcast groups, Joe made the switch to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in 2019 to serve as the institution’s Director of Public Programs and Community Engagement.

Joe grew up in Cairo, Illinois and is a graduate of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He and his wife, Ann, reside in Springfield and have two grown children. In his spare time, Joe enjoys model railroading, golf, travel, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Vanessa Ferguson is a broadcast professional and works for NPR Illinois 91.9 WUIS. She is the producer of the show Community Voices and interviews people from all walks of life in Central Illinois. She also co-hosts the Beyond the Mouse podcast for the Front Row Network, where she has interviewed numerous film directors, actors, and creative people within the Walt Disney Company.

Prior to her work at NPR Illinois, Vanessa worked in performing arts administration as the Assistant Director of the Hoogland Center for the Arts. She also has performed on stage at the Hoogland Center and with Capital City Improv.

+ Podcast and Video Credits

Father Augustus Tolton: the Nation’s First Black Priest

June 19, 2023

Augustus Tolton pursued the priesthood despite facing prejudice and many obstacles.  Formerly enslaved, Tolton’s life was one of hardship and self-less service to humanity and God.

Narration was provided by, Springfield Illinois actors, Tony Young and Kevin Ford. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. 

This episode was supported by Union Pacific.

Narrator — Tony Young and Kevin Ford

Tony Young is an accomplished stage actor, a superb vocal artist and all around nice creative individual.  He is actively engaged in the Springfield, Illinois theatrical community and has been acting for 39 years.  He has been involved in film, commercials, theater, voiceovers and been a director. 

He is married, has two children and six grandchildren.     

Kevin Ford is actively engaged in the Springfield, Illinois theatrical community.  He provided the voice-over and onscreen professional work for the Illinois Freedom Project a project of Lincoln Home National Historical Site.  He has participated in in numerous productions at the Springfield Muni Opera, Theater in the Park, the Springfield Theater Center and the Hoogland Center for the Arts. 

Kevin is retired and volunteers working as a tutor with the AVID program in the Springfield School District.  He also serves as the Academic Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois afterschool program at Franklin Middle School.

 

+ Podcast and Video Credits

The Charleston Riot: Unrest in Illinois during the Civil War

May 23, 2023

In March 1864 a riot between Copperheads and Union troops broke out in Charleston, Illinois sparking concern that this could mark the start of a large-scale uprising in the North. Discover the causes of this turmoil and what happened in its aftermath. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode is narrated by: Jock Hedblade, the executive director of Unforgettable Forgottonia.

Narrator — Jock Hedblade

Jock Hedblade is the Executive Director of Visit Forgottonia in Macomb, Illinois.  Jock grew up in Macomb and attended Western Illinois University. After a 35-year career as a successful national radio and television producer, the four-time Emmy award winner retired from the business and big city bustle and returned to Macomb.  He feels blessed and honored for the  opportunity to apply his experience and expertise to the benefit of his beloved home town.

+ Podcast and Video Credits

Albert Cashier: An Unconventional Civil War Soldier from Illinois

April 17, 2023

In this episode, you will learn about the life of Albert Cashier, a Civil War hero with a fascinating past.  Cashier fought valiantly with the 95th Illinois Infantry Regiment, and many years later the regiment would rally to Albert Cashier’s defense. Narration was provided by Meredith Vogel-Thomas. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. This episode was supported by Union Pacific.

Narrator — Meredith Vogel-Thomas

Meredith Vogel-Thomas is an Illinois native. She grew up in Belleville then moved to Jacksonville to attend Illinois College. Meredith is a performer with over 30 years of experience in both dramatic and musical theatre. She has been featured in numerous local productions at the HCFTA, Jacksonville Theater Guild, Legacy, Playhouse on The Square, Springfield Muni and TIP. In addition to appearing on stage, Meredith also enjoys working behind the scenes. She has assistant directed, stage managed and built sets for several local productions. For the past two years, she has also worked with CrossFit, Inc as a Production Team Lead on their Documentary Film Crew. 

Meredith has spent the last six years working for the the Morgan County Health Department. She currently resides in Jacksonville with her wife Michelle and their rescue dog Lulu.

+ Podcast and Video Credits

The Trial of John Hossack – Slavery on Trial in the Free State of Illinois

March 23, 2023

This is a dramatized account of John Hossack, who stood trial in 1860 for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. Hossack was accused of helping an enslaved person gain his freedom in Ottawa, Illinois.

The narrative is based on court documents using the actual words spoken during the trial. Our narrator, Robert Hitt, is a fictional observer who helps bring the real-life historic characters to life.

Narration was provided by: David Blanchette, Connor Cantrall, Doug Cantrall, Joe Crain, Tim Dyer, Curt Fleck, Brian Gilley, Jock Hedblade, Bernie Lutchman, Jim Rowley, Michael Sanchez and Chris Vallillo.  This episode was funded inpart by a grant from the Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021. 

Narrator — David Blanchett & Company

Narration was provided by: David Blanchette, Connor Cantrall, Doug Cantrall, Joe Crain, Tim Dyer, Curt Fleck, Brian Gilley, Jock Hedblade, Bernie Lutchman, Jim Rowley, Michael Sanchez and Chris Vallillo.

+ Podcast and Video Credits

African Americans in Lincoln's Springfield

September 28, 2022

Springfield, Illinois had a vibrant African American Community during the time Abraham Lincoln lived in the city. This episode highlights his relationship with four African Americans in the community.

The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble.  Narration was provided by, Springfield Illinois actor, Reggie Guyton. 

This episode was funded inpart by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  Any views, findings in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Narrator — Reggie Guyton

Reggie Guyton is a Creative Professional currently residing in Springfield, IL. He currently works at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum as a Historical Actor. He wrote and performed a 13 minute show, entitled “Small Beginnings” detailing the life of an Enslaved Black man who escaped the South, and helped to persuade President Lincoln to let Black men fight for the Union during the Civil War.  

In addition to serving on multiple community art boards, Reggie is also the inaugural Artist in Residence for “ Our Stage / Our Voices” at University of Illinois Springfield. He received his BA in Performing Arts at Blackburn College, with a focus on Theater and a minor in communications. In addition to directing community theater (most recently Ragtime at the Springfield Municipal Opera), he also acts, dances, performs spoken word, and teaches performance technique. 

+ Podcast and Video Credits

Susan Richardson: A Story of Slavery to Freedom in Illinois

July 25, 2022

In this episode, you will learn about a young freedom seekers harrowing flight from southern Illinois to Knox County, Illinois, and the twists and turns on her journey to self-emancipation. Assisted by abolitionists and anti-slavery activists, Susan’s story highlights that even though Illinois was a free state, aspects of slavery still existed within its borders. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. Narration provided by Paris Ervin Doyle. This episode is funded inpart by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Narrator — Paris Ervin

Paris Ervin is the Senior Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. Prior to her current role, she served seven years as the Chief Communications and Civic Engagement Officer for the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer.

Paris started working for the State of Illinois in 2008 as the Communication Manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Department of Agriculture, eventually moving on to Bureau Chief of Communications at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Prior to her state service, she was an on-air reporter and fill-in anchor at WICS-TV in Springfield, Illinois.

Paris has held positions on several boards, including the YMCA, American Red Cross, and served as the President for the National Honor Society for Public Administration. Paris currently serves as a board member for Looking for Lincoln and the Hoogland Center for the Arts. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Paris resides in Chatham, Illinois. She is married with a 6-year-old son

+ Podcast and Video Credits

New Philadelphia: A Racially Diverse Community on the Illinois Frontier

July 25, 2022

“Free” Frank McWorter was a man with ambition, dedication, guts and a burning desire for freedom for himself and others. He was the first African American in the nation to plat and legally registered a town. Learn how “Free” Frank established an integrated community on the Illinois prairie and bought the freedom of more than a dozen people from slavery. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble. Narration provided by, Springfield Illinois Actor, Kevin Ford. This episode is funded in part by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Narrator — Kevin Ford

Kevin Ford is actively engaged in the Springfield, Illinois theatrical community.  He provided the voice-over and onscreen professional work for the Illinois Freedom Project a project of Lincoln Home National Historical Site.  He has participated in in numerous productions at the Springfield Muni Opera, Theater in the Park, the Springfield Theater Center and the Hoogland Center for the Arts. 

Kevin is retired and volunteers working as a tutor with the AVID program in the Springfield School District.  He also serves as the Academic Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois afterschool program at Franklin Middle School.

+ Podcast and Video Credits

The 1875 Emancipation Celebration: A Grand Old-Style Barbeque in Atlanta, Illinois

July 20, 2022

Learn about the events and efforts of a small group of African American citizens from Atlanta, Illinois, who hosted an area-wide BBQ celebration at their local fairgrounds. The event noted the 12th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, which granted freedom to the enslaved people of the United States. The episode was written by David Blanchette, directed by Heather Feezor, and edited by Steven Varble.

Narration was provided by Springfield Illinois actor, Reggie Guyton. This episode is funded inpart by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Narrator — Reggie Guyton

Reggie Guyton is a Creative Professional currently residing in Springfield, IL. He currently works at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum as a Historical Actor. He wrote and performed a 13 minute show, entitled “Small Beginnings” detailing the life of an Enslaved Black man who escaped the South, and helped to persuade President Lincoln to let Black men fight for the Union during the Civil War.  

In addition to serving on multiple community art boards, Reggie is also the inaugural Artist in Residence for “ Our Stage / Our Voices” at University of Illinois Springfield. He received his BA in Performing Arts at Blackburn College, with a focus on Theater and a minor in communications. In addition to directing community theater (most recently Ragtime at the Springfield Municipal Opera), he also acts, dances, performs spoken word, and teaches performance technique. 

+ Podcast and Video Credits