Nacogdoches Federation of Women’s Clubs to present patriotic living-history show

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - Historic figures are set to come to life July 4 as the Nacogdoches Federation of Women’s Clubs presents “Stars, Stripes and Songs of Freedom.”

The hourlong program will feature actors portraying Sam Houston, Francis Scott Key, Betsy Ross and Mary Pickersgill, among others.

“People love their history here and we’re so proud of it,” said city councilman Brad Maule, who has portrayed “Sam Houston” for decades. “We have a 200-year-old building to work with also, so it’s a lot of work but it’s also a lot of fun to do these.”

Maule, a former star of the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” said acting locally brings him great joy.

“When I get into the Sam Houston thing, I become just a different person,” he said.

Co-organizers Rachel Underwood and Kathleen Bellinger said they helped craft the script, drawing on local history and personal stories behind national events.

“We’re trying to make it human,” Maule said, noting the program explores moments such as Key watching the bombardment that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner and the personal labor behind early flags.

The family-friendly productions run about an hour, Maule said, and take place in the 1859 building’s courtyard in Nacogdoches.