Called the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Clara Barton was the first woman to serve wounded soldiers on the battlegrounds of the American Civil War. Her experience in that bloody conflict led her to later found the American Red Cross.

This indomitable woman will be brought to life in the Civil War Chautauqua presented by the Historic Fayette Theater and the Fayetteville Rotary on Monday, July 2.  Karen Vuranch, who has researched Barton’s life, will present a workshop at 3:00 in the afternoon. That evening, Civil War music will be presented by Kempers and Clark at 7 p.m., followed by Vuranch’s portrayal of Clara Barton.

The event kicks off a week of workshops and performances exploring the Civil War. All events take place at the Historic Fayette Theater and are free and open to the public.

Barton is one of the most significant women in American history, according to scholar/actor Karen Vuranch. Vuranch, of Fayetteville, has spent a significant amount of time researching Clara Barton and incorporates this into her presentation of the character.

“Barton had a very interesting career,” said Vuranch. “She was not only a battlefield nurse, but a teacher, lecturer, and administrator. Her entire life was devoted to voluntary service to her nation and her community.”

Vuranch went on to say that Barton never had any formal nursing training and, in fact, was more of an administrator and humanitarian than a nurse. She gathered supplies for distribution and served on the battlefield. But what she is most known for is her work with the American Red Cross, which brought her international fame.

Audiences will not only hear Vuranch’s presentation of Barton, but will have the chance to ask this historical woman questions.

The Chautauqua style of presentation, created by Humanities Councils throughout the nation, consists of three parts. First, there is a monologue by the presenter. Then, staying in character, the audience asks questions and Vuranch will answer as Clara Barton would have answered, guided by her research. Finally, Vuranch will break character and answer audience questions from a contemporary point of view.

“It is a unique way for the audience to participate in a performance,” said the local scholar/actress. “You never know what questions you will be asked and have to be prepared for anything. Different questions will take the presentation in entirely different directions.

“It is always an interesting experience, for both presenter and audience.”

The evening performance will begin with a set of Civil War music performed by Kempers and Clark. Jon and Beth Kemper and Mike Clark are all Fayetteville residents and have been performing music together for a number of years.  Each is incredibly talented, as singers and musicians.  Jon Kemper and Mike Clark play guitar, accompanied by Beth Kemper’s fiddle and all three sing harmony on the traditional songs of the Civil War.  

Chautauquas also provide daytime workshops further exploring the topic of the week and during this week, there will be a workshop each day at 3 p.m. On July 2, Vuranch will present a workshop entitled “Women Warriors,” which explores women in combat in American conflicts.

“In researching Civil War history, I learned that many women disguised themselves as men and fought in the war,” Vuranch said. “I was fascinated to learn about this and in my research I came across a number of wonderful stories of women heroines.”

The workshop will cover women in American battles from the American Revolution to the present.

The Civil War Chautauqua will continue throughout the week. On Tuesday, July 3, Don Teter will present David Hunter Strother, an artist and topographer for the Union Army, who reported on the John Brown trial. Music will again be provided by Kempers and Clark. Teter’s afternoon workshop will explore his research.

There are no Chautauqua events on the holiday, but the programs start again on July 6 when Doug Reilly presents Stonewall Jackson and an afternoon workshop explore the reasons for Southern secession.  Finally, on Friday, July 7, Ilene Evans brings Harriet Tubman to life.  Music on July 6 and 7 is presented by Gary Reynolds, Cathy Teubert and Dwight Neil.

This year’s Civil War Chautauqua is funded by the WV Humanities Council, with support from the NEH and the WV Department of Education and the Arts and local community groups. Each day, there will be a workshop at the Historic Fayette Theater at 3 p.m. The evening performance will kick off with Civil War musical performances at 7 p.m. and then one of the scholars will present their Civil War character at 8  p.m. All events of the Civil War Chautauqua are free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary.

For more information, contact the Historic Fayette Theater at 304-574-4655 or check out the Facebook page or website, www.historicfayettetheater.com.