An Evening with Ellen Video Project, Nevada City, CA
Project Management & Creative Development, Community Outreach and Engagement
This non-profit community project educates and raises awareness about women’s voting rights and specifically the suffrage leader, Ellen Clark Sargent. Written and directed by Pamela Biery, actress Mary Baird is joined by Rick Ewald in portraying a lively conversation with Ellen Sargent. See the 30-minute video here.
Ellen Clark Sargent was a prominent suffrage leader and resident of Nevada City, where she founded one of the early West Coast Suffrage organizations in 1869. She worked tirelessly to secure women’s voting rights with her entire family for four decades. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in 2020, the Famous Marching Presidents produced an original play, “An Evening with Ellen,” highlighting Ellen Clark Sargent and the Nineteenth Amendment.
This original work, project-managed by Pamela Biery, is set in an interview format. Actor Mary Baird portrays Ellen Sargent, while Nevada City businessman, Rick Ewald interviews Ellen, from a present-day perspective. Terry Boyer provides the master of ceremonies role, setting the tone for this lively interaction.
In May 2021 this film was recognized with inclusion in the Toronto Women’s Film Festival.
EVENING WITH ELLEN COMMUNITY PROJECT TIMELINE
January-February: Writing and research, with support from Nevada County Historical Society Research Library.
March: Convert to video production.
April: Arbor Day tree planting in recognition of Ellen Clark Sargent.
May-June: Rehearsals begin. GoFundMe campaign launched.
July: Poster concept and layout.
August: Poster printing and release. Odd Fellows decorate windows on Broad Street. Video production. Famous Marching Presidents Tree Dedication Ceremony.
September: Video complete.
October: Windows on History features Odd Fellows Nineteenth Amendment windows.
December: Video edited for television and film festival format. Inclusion in Women Soaring art exhibit. Plan for educational curriculum development (2021).
Thanks to the Famous Marching Presidents, donors, and the incredible team.
