Teddy Roosevelt and Mark Twain to Appear at the Presidio

Presidio of San Francisco (January 28, 2009) — “Teddy Roosevelt” and “Mark Twain” will make special appearances at the Presidio as part of two new programs associated with the Presidio’s current historic exhibit, War Dissent: U.S. in the Philippines 1898-1915. The free, living history performances will take place Friday, January 30 and Friday, February 6 at 7 pm at the Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue.

Ron and Carol Browning will portray Teddy Roosevelt, the “Rough Rider” President and his wife, first lady Edith Roosevelt, in An Evening with the Roosevelts. The Roosevelts will speak on affairs in the Philippine Islands and a reception will follow the performance.

The following week, in Mark Twain on War Dissent, the author and humorist speaks on the subjects of war and dissent. Twain will be played by McAvoy Layne, who has been bringing Twain back to life on stages and at schools around the country for more than 20 years. He has appeared as the Ghost of Mark Twain in A&E’s biography of Twain and in the Discovery Channel’s Cronkite award-winning documentary, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Both programs begin at 7 pm at the Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue in San Francisco. Admission is free.

War Dissent: The U.S. in the Philippines 1898-1915 runs Wednesdays to Sundays through February 22. The free, mixed-media exhibit tells the story of a little-known war that had momentous consequences for both Americans and Filipinos. The exhibit chronicles the growth of the Presidio into a major military installation and the rise of the United States into an imperial power. Its nine themed galleries feature San Francisco monuments, photographs, diaries, letters and political cartoons that trace the full sweep of the conflict.

The Presidio Trust was established by the United States Congress in 1996 to oversee the Presidio of San Francisco, an urban national park located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1,500-acre site contains expansive open space and spectacular views, a 300-acre historic forest, and rare and endangered plants and wildlife. It also comprises nearly 6 million square feet of buildings, including 469 historic structures that contribute to its status as a National Historic Landmark District.