WAYNESBORO – Flickering lanterns and the aroma of wood burning in the hearth led visitors to the Royer Museum House at the historic Renfrew Museum and Park on Oct. 21, where they awaited a visit from the Headless Horseman.
While not physically there, the image of the ghostly Hessian soldier riding upon his steed brandishing a pumpkin would be ignited in one’s imagination through a dramatic reading of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” written by Washington Irving, which related the story of Ichabod Crane and his doomed meeting with the Headless Horseman.
“On mounting a rising ground, which brought the figure of his fellow traveler in relief against the sky, gigantic in height and muffled in a cloak, Ichabod was horror-struck on perceiving that he was headless!” were the words penned by Irving in his famous short story. It was first published in the year 1820 describing Ichabod’s encounter with the horseman.
The dramatic reading, which was performed in the dimly lit dining room at the Royer House, was read brilliantly by actor and musician, Jeff Greenawalt, a native of Gettysburg. Jeff is a living historian who has wowed audiences with his portrayals of George Washington and Civil War veteran James Maclay. His deep, booming voice projected the various emotions felt by Irving characters like Crane and the rough and rowdy Abraham “Brom” Bones, who was a rival suitor for the lovely Van Tassel daughter, Katrina.
“This was the second year that Jeff has shared the story of ‘Sleepy Hollow’ with Renfrew guests,” said Kirsten Lamb, who oversaw the coordination of the event and works at the park as an assistant to the executive director.
“The event was a big hit with audiences last year, and we were delighted to bring it back,” added executive director of Renfrew Museum and Park, Ashley Sonntag. “We are already starting to brainstorm ideas for bringing more themed dramatic readings to the park next year.”
In addition to the reading of the story, guests also had the opportunity to visit with other living historians and docents who volunteer at the park. Joann Dunigan and her husband, Patrick, along with Laurie Hovermale tended the kitchen hearth where they made hot apple cider for everyone to enjoy. There were also samples of sweet cakes and banana nut bread to snack on while being entertained by the rendition.
The one night only event presented two readings, one at 5:30 p.m. while it was still fairly light out and the other, for those with nerves of steel, took place at 7:30 p.m. when the moon shone down on the swaying trees outside the dining room windows. It was the perfect setting to share the tale of one of literary history’s most terrifying characters.
Next up at the Renfrew Museum and Park is their annual holiday event, “Christmas on the Farm” which will be held on Dec. 5 and 6 from 3 p.m.-8 p.m., and also a Wreath Making Workshop on Dec. 18 from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.. Renfrew Museum and Park is located at 1010 E. Main St. in Waynesboro, and it is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week for visitors to explore the grounds. The winter hours for the visitor’s center are Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and they are closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday. To learn more about upcoming events and tours, readers may visit their website at: Renfrew Museum and Park – Cultivate Inspiration/
For more information about Jeff Greenawalt and any upcoming appearances readers may visit his website at: Jeff Greenawalt – Jeff Greenawalt | Historical Character Interpretations | Public Speaker | Actor | Musician.
