University of Colorado at Boulder history Professor Patty Limerick will bring history alive when she interviews nationally recognized actor Clay Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt in Boulder and Denver on Feb. 24 and 25.
Jenkinson has played Jefferson in 49 of the 50 states and the White House, in addition to appearances on "CNN," the "Today" show and "The Colbert Report." He has made thousands of entertaining presentations exploring the ideas of famous figures in U.S. history.
Both events are free and open to the public and are sponsored by the CU-Boulder Center of the American West, the CU-Boulder Center for Western Civilization and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
On Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., Limerick will interview Jenkinson as Jefferson in the Wittemyer Courtroom of the Wolf Law Building on the CU-Boulder campus. The third president of the United States, Jefferson was an avid inventor, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and a historical figure whose ideas and actions still shape our world.
On Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., Limerick will interview Jenkinson as Roosevelt in Ricketson Auditorium at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The 26th president of the United States, Roosevelt was tied to the American West as a rancher, a hunter, a naturalist and a key figure in the conservation movement.
Receptions will follow both events.
"For 20 years, I have had the pleasure of watching while Clay Jenkinson makes an irresistible case for taking history seriously," said Limerick, faculty director and chair of the board of the Center of the American West. "Having Clay's company -- and thereby, President Jefferson's and President Roosevelt's company -- will be one of the top-ranked and most valued opportunities ever offered by the center."
In addition to acting, Jenkinson is a humanities scholar, author and social commentator. His thought-provoking performances are both humorous and educational. He also portrays Meriwether Lewis, John Wesley Powell and J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Limerick has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between academics and the general public and to demonstrating the benefits of applying a historical perspective to contemporary dilemmas and conflicts. She has received a number of awards and honors including the MacArthur "genius grant" Fellowship and the Hazel Barnes Prize, CU's highest award for teaching and research.
For information call the Center of the American West at 303-492-4879 or visit .
Clay Jenkinson as Thomas Jefferson. Photo courtesy Clay Jenkinson
Clay Jenkinson as Theodore Roosevelt. Photo courtesy Clay Jenkinson