Becoming Jefferson: My Life as a Founding Father

by Bill Barker

"In this first-person account, Bill Barker talks about his interest in Thomas Jefferson, how he became a Jefferson historical interpreter, how he developed and maintains his craft, and how his interpretation has expanded over time. Along the way, he includes historical information about Thomas Jefferson, using it to explain points about historical interpretation. Barker includes discussions about how he addresses sensitive Jefferson subjects, such as slavery and religion, in his interpretations"--

Genres: Biography, History

Hardcover

Published December 1, 2019

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I have even more respect for Bill Barker and his interpretation of Thomas Jefferson. Every historical interpreter should strive to be as thorough (cringing at the thought of the Jefferson interpreter we ran across in Philly one year who was totally ignorant). I am glad I took the time to read this right away after our return from our youth history trip. Having a private interview for our group with Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson at Monticello was amazing! I enjoyed the part of the book where he talks about his younger successor, and mentoring him. We were privileged to see the younger Thomas Jefferson, Kurt Smith, at Williamsburg the same week. What a pleasure to get a deeper understanding of this man’s passion for historical interpretation and his passion for passing it on to the next generation.

[Kanoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Bill Barker's family and his journey toward "Becoming Jefferson" in his role as an historical interpreter in Philadelphia and at Colonial Williamsburg. Thomas Jefferson is one of my favorite presidents, if not my absolute favorite, and it is refreshing to see someone who has studied Jefferson and his writings and understands him as a progressive man of his times rather than trying to look back on him through today's lens and slap inappropriate labels on him. I also love reading a book and finding documented and inspiring quotes from Thomas Jefferson. This one particularly stood out to me: "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." ~Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, 1800. Even though Bill Barker has turned over the role of Thomas Jefferson to another interpreter, I look forward to my next visit to Colonial Williamsburg where I have some new ideas for how to interact with him.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful book. I have seen Barker as Jefferson many times in Colonial Williamsburg and am always impressed with his presentation which goes beyond acting. Barker has immersed himself in the life of Jefferson and portrays him faithfully. In this book he answers all the questions I would ask if I could meet him, such as handling rude questions and dealing with know-it-alls. If it were possible I'd give this book 6 stars as I was so impressed that he did research on Jefferson in the Randolph family papers at the University of Virginia. Many scholars never knew about them or ignored them, but as Dr. Helen Cripe, author of "Thomas Jefferson and music," commented, "The Randolph papers are where all the good stuff is." This brief volume goes right next to the "scholarly" biographies on my shelves.

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book packed with outstanding photos of Barker in various settings as Jefferson. I really liked how the text mixes his experiences performing as Jefferson with his reflections on the insights about Jefferson that he gained from this work. It reads mostly as a tribute to his work at Colonial Williamsburg as Jefferson (you can telling without checking that it was done as a celebration as he was leaving the job). You find any of the grittier details, though. Nothing here about a costume falling apart and only fleeting mentions of rude audiences or aggressive questioning. I would love for Barker to someday write a memoir that includes both the challenges and the satisfactions of his amazing career as Jefferson.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in Thomas Jefferson, Colonial Williamsburg, first-person historic interpretation or public history, and especially anyone who has had the good fortune to see America's foremost interpreter of Jefferson in action, this book is a treat. With his characteristic good nature, Barker weaves his own story into Jefferson's, illuminating key points about our nation's third president from slavery to democracy, from gardening to wine. A nicely bound small hard cover generously filled with fun photos of Barker in costume over the years, this is a book you'll read quickly but a handsome volume you'll want to keep around for years.

[Chris Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Seeing Bill Barker embody Thomas Jefferson in Williamsburg was one of highlights of the education I’ve received in my adult life. To read this book, which serves as both a biography of Barker and also gives us his own personal insights into the life of Jefferson, it’s really special. I couldn’t read the book without hearing Barker’s voice. This was really special. It serves as a great introduction to Jefferson and a fantastic look into the life of a presidential impersonator. This book is a genuine treasure, filled with beautiful images throughout Barker’s long career. I imagine I’ll revisit this book many times in the future.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

By reading this book, you’ll learn about two people, and in particular the enjoyment one has in portraying the other. The author, Bill Barker, had acted as Thomas Jefferson for decades and this book describes the challenges and delights of doing so.

To some degree, all actors do what Mr. Barker does—present themselves as someone else. To do that, they submerge their own personalities, mannerisms, beliefs, and appearance, in favor of displaying the attributes of another. But most actors do this for a short while, memorizing a few lines of dialogue. Mr. Barker did this for much of his life, with no script.

He studied Jefferson with the diligence of a scholar, striving to get the portrayal right. Why? ‘Historical Interpretation’ is a wonderful way to bring history alive to new generations, in a far more interesting and immediate way than reading history books.

My own father did some of this. After attending classes on ‘First-Person Narration’ by Dr. Joyce Thierer and Dr. Ann Birney at Emporia State University, my dad portrayed Dr. Erwin Schrödinger and, later, Dr. Richard Feynman.

Back to Mr. Barker’s Jefferson. The book really conveys the process and evolution (constant improvement) inherent in historical interpretation. In particular, it’s difficult, but necessary, to espouse the views of the person being portrayed, though they may deviate far from your own.

I found the chapter on ‘Talking to Kids’ the most touching and poignant.

Also, the many photographs in the book help to give a sense of the author’s many portrayals in a variety of settings and for many audiences.

It’s a fine book, well worth reading. By doing so, you might be tempted to try historical interpretation yourself.

[Tom Romig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boggles the imagination to think that for over 35 years Bill Barker has portrayed Thomas Jefferson, chiefly at Colonial Williamsburg but also at events in Philadelphia, the White House, France (where Jefferson was the ambassador), and many other venues. This unusual life's work combines history, theater, interpretation, and a remarkable degree of spontaneity as Mr. Barker has exchanges with people of all backgrounds and ages.

In his words: "Historical interpretation at its best creates an intimate and personal touch, an empathy for our past, a direct connection to our history, a recognition that the people of the past were no less intelligent than we are today though they were bound by habits, customs, burdens, and investments of their times."

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at Jefferson’s Monticello. I was able to watch Barker in action as an older Jefferson. What incredible dedication; I was impressed and moved at how he has dedicated his life’s work to keeping history alive. This was a great little read.

[Mandy Holzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended. Beautiful book written by a phenomenal actor who is a national treasure.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure to attend some of Mr. Barker’s talks while visiting Williamsburg. This memoir is an informative insight into his portrayal of Mr. Jefferson.