John Notgrass has worked as an historical actor since 2005. He delights to share stories from the past to educate and inspire audiences in the present.

John is available to present for libraries, community organizations, churches, schools, and homeschool groups either in-person or online. He can tailor his presentations to meet the needs of your audience (time available, age level, spiritual focus or not).

See what John has to offer below and submit a request for him to visit your group.

Feedback from Hosts

“John Notgrass is a very engaging presenter and storyteller. We have thoroughly enjoyed his events. If you are looking for an amazing program to offer at your library, look no further than John Notgrass!”

— Scenic Regional Library

“From the feedback we heard everyone liked the program. I got several comments from our staff that they were watching the customers, and many of them were nodding, singing or toe tapping. Well done."

— First State Community Bank

"It was almost like a time machine. John Notgrass transported the students back into another time period. Dressed in uniform (his grandfather's), John took students back into the youth of his grandfather and then carried them forward into WWII. He fully put himself into the part and relived events, both sad and hilarious."

— Cookeville (TN) High School

First-Person History Programs

In these programs, John steps into character and costume to tell powerful stories.

  • One Soldier's Story: A Tennessean in WWII
    John's grandfather Wesley Notgrass (1915-2007) joined the United States Army in 1941 and served for four years, one month, and seven days in the United States and Europe during World War II. Based on his grandfather's recollections and wearing his grandfather's uniform, John steps into character to share Wesley's life story in a first-person narrative, from growing up in the 1920s and 30s through his experiences during the war. The presentation is illustrated with photographs from Wesley's collection.

  • And Can It Be: The Life of Charles Wesley
    Charles Wesley (1707-1788) composed over 6,000 hymns that expressed his amazement at God's mercy and called God's people to holiness. This program, told from the perspective of Charles Wesley himself, is based in large part on his journals and hymns. It explores his life at home with his parents Samuel and Susanna, his education, his conversion, and his ministry in the context of the religious history of England.

  • Building a Kingdom: The Life of Alfred the Great
    Alfred (c. 848-899) is the only English king remembered as “the Great”. During the 9th century, England faced multiple waves of Viking raiders and settlers. Alfred rose to prominence by successfully challenging them in war, but he was also an accomplished leader in peace as he promoted religion, education, and justice. Dressed in medieval attire, John relates Alfred’s story in a first-person narrative.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

John has enjoyed digging into the life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder.

  • The Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Story and Song
    Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) left a lasting impact on American literature with her Little House series of books. In this presentation, John Notgrass performs songs that the Ingalls family enjoyed, takes you on a virtual tour of the places Laura lived, and shares stories that didn't make it into her books.

  • Laura Ingalls Wilder in California
    In 1915 Laura Ingalls Wilder traveled from Missouri to California to visit her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. They visited the Panama-Pacific International Exposition several times and made other excursions in and around San Francisco. This virtual tour highlights places Laura talks about in her letters home to Almanzo. Historic photos will show you what they looked like around the time Laura visited.

The History of English Country Dancing

John is a traditional dance instructor who can educate your audience about the history of English Country Dancing. He can also teach children, teens, and adults of all ages to enjoy dance. Learn more.

  • Dive into the history of English country dancing from the time of Elizabeth I to the work of Jane Austen to modern television dramas. Learn about the movements, the music, and the magic of this social art form. You’ll even have a chance to dance yourself!

Contact John


Video of Online Program

Video of Live Program

John Notgrass as Wesley Notgrass in One Soldier's Story

Upcoming Events

Past Presentations

  • American Legion, Columbia, TN

  • Benedicite Education, Wentzville, MO

  • Boyd-Buchcanan School, Chattanooga, TN

  • College United Methodist Church, Warrenton, MO

  • Cookeville High School, Cookeville, TN

  • Church of the Master United Church of Christ, Florissant, MO

  • Church of the Transfiguration Episcopal Church, Lake St. Louis, MO

  • First United Methodist Church, Gainesboro, TN

  • Gainesboro Church of Christ, Gainesboro, TN

  • Granville Fall Celebration, Granville, TN

  • Home Educators Association of Virginia (online)

  • Home Educators Encouragement Alliance, Atlanta, GA

  • Homeschool New York (online)

  • Homeschool South Dakota (online)

  • Hopewell Church Covenant Family School, Columbia, TN

  • INCH Homeschool Convention, Lansing, MI

  • Indiana Association of Home Educators, Indianapolis, IN

  • Jackson County Historical Society, Gainesboro, TN

  • Midwest Parent Educators (online)

  • Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (online)

  • North Carolinians for Home Education, Winston-Salem, NC

  • Oregon Christian Home Education Association Network (online)

  • Scenic Regional Library, Warrenton, MO

  • Secret City Festival, Oak Ridge, TN

  • SPED Homeschool (online)

  • St. Charles City-County Library, Wentzville, MO

  • Wentzville United Methodist Church, Wentzville, MO