Philip Freneau
Philip Freneau: Poet of the American Revolution
Philip Freneau: Poet of the American Revolution is a fascinating adventure that leads us through ‘The Rising Glory of America’. Born in New York and living most of his life in Freehold, New Jersey, Philip Freneau graduates from Princeton with his friend and roommate James Madison, and it was there that Freneau found his voice for poetry. Relevant for our times, this lively and engaging performance reveals the great challenges facing both our Founding fathers and the men and women supporting this new land. Freneau’s great passion and commitment to liberty, takes him on journey from being captured by the British, boldly giving his voice as editor of The National Gazette, and finding his way back to his deep love of nature and poetry.
Upcoming Performances
TBA
Previous New Jersey/New York Performances
Borough of Matawan - May 2023 Kick-off event Burrowes Mansion 300th
Staten Island Arts 2015 Fall Conference
Colts Neck Historic Preservation Commission
Princeton Battlefield Society
The New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
The Monmouth County Historical Association
The New Jersey State History Fair
The American Revolution Roundtable of New York
The Matawan Historical Society -- Matawan's 325th Anniversary celebration
Watch the 12 minute condensed version of my 40 minute show below. Enjoy!
Joseph Smith as Philip Freneau 2012 New Jersey State History Fair. (Photo credit: Jonathan Carlucci)
Philip Freneau Review
Borough of Matawan - Matawan Historical Society
“It was a fine performance, Joseph. You brought Freneau to life. And the lessons of that evening persist. When the honeysuckle bloomed last week here in Matawan, we were immersed in his poetry." - Matawan Historical Society
Philip Freneau Review
American Revolution Roundtable NY
“The American Revolution Roundtable of New York had a unique experience: a reincarnation of one of the American Revolution’s most original eyewitnesses, Philip Freneau. Joseph (as Freneau) had a lot to say & he started saying it vigorously, brilliantly, wittily, before our goggled eyes & amazed ears for the next 45 enthralling minutes. The applause was thunderous & sustained...It was our Round Table’s way of saying thanks for this chance to not merely hear about history, but to live it.” - Thomas Fleming, Author
Photo credit: Donna Dimino