Retelling history: Fireside Chat at Naper Settlement

Naper Settlement is about to get that presidential feel.

Chicago actor R.J. Lindsey will portray the 32nd president of the United States in "Franklin D. Roosevelt - A Fireside Chat" from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, at the 19th-century living-history museum at 523 S. Webster St. in Naperville.

Lindsey as the president will informally address the crowd, divulging his thoughts on topics such as the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, Winston Churchill, Orson Welles, his wife and his Scottie dog, Fala. Audience members also can get Roosevelt's insights during a question-and-answer session following the presentation.

It's inevitable audience members will find some similarities between Roosevelt's era - with its war, slumping economy and job-creation programs - and today.

"There's some nice parallels to what the country is facing right now," said Nancy Smith, the settlement's education manager.

Lindsey will use his background in acting and his natural resemblance to the late president to bring history to life.

"When (people) walk into the room, some of the seniors say, 'Oh my, he's back,'" he said.

Lindsey began portraying different historical figures about 20 years ago after the writer's strike in 1988 led him to return from Hollywood to the Midwest. After he was asked by a Rockford church to portray a character for a program, more requests began to follow.

He has since taken his act to Israel, London and throughout the United States performing as historical figures ranging from Abraham Lincoln to Charles Darwin. Roosevelt is among his favorites.

"He is a great character," Lindsey said. "He has a great, larger-than-life personality."

Lindsey said his programs bring back memories for some, while for others it's a way to get a glimpse into the past.

"We don't know a lot about our history and to bring it to life, there is always something to be learned," he said.

The event is part of Naper Settlement's History Speaks Lecture Series, which began in October and runs until May. Future installments include "The Underground Railroad," "From Auld (Old) Sod to New Prairie: the Irish in America," "Stories About the Titanic" and "Jacqueline Kennedy."

Lindsey will return as Carr Van Anda, former New York Times managing editor, on April 11 to tell "Stories About the Titanic" in remembrance of the anniversary.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News">What: Franklin D. Roosevelt - A Fireside Chat When: 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10 Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville Tickets: $6 for adults, $5 for students, youths and Naperville Heritage Society sustaining members; tickets at the door: $7 for adults and $6 for students and youths. </p>

<p class="News">Info: Visit <a href="http://www.napersettlement.org" target="new">www.napersettlement.org</a> or call (630) 420-6010.</p>