I had my first Jefferson dream about two months ago. I was sitting, writing, at a cherry desk. The room was dim and I couldn’t see the entire space, but I could feel that it was small. On one dark wall was a bookshelf. A rug was on the wide planked floor. And in the corner of the room, eyes fixed on the pages of a book, was a boy. He was sitting with one leg under him and the other bent at his chest, absent-mindedly gnawing on his finger while the bulk of his attention was absorbed by whatever words were on the pages.
I don’t know how I knew, but I knew this was Peter Jefferson’s study at Shadwell, the Jefferson family seat. After I woke up, I laid there, staring at the ceiling and eventually found myself reliving every major life decision that brought me to this amazing place, Colonial Williamsburg, and all the many similarities between the man, Thomas Jefferson, and myself.
I did not grow up in the Piedmont among 1,600 acres of land, but to the curious mind of a boy in Arkansas, there is an entire kingdom to be found in an acre. Both Thomas’ and my childhoods were spent, at least partially, with wilderness underfoot and with parents who understood that a formal education in the classroom is just as valuable as the informal education you learn from nature.
In Arkansas, where I spent my time until I was 22, I had a father who, like Peter Jefferson, was a giant to me and was be able to accomplish anything. My dad may never have trekked 90-miles into wilderness dismal enough “strike terror into any human creature” but I recall attempting to hunt with him as a boy and thinking he was a mighty god when he would come back with a buck. My mom taught me how to live a life of quiet dignity, to never speak ill of people. They both worked tirelessly for our family. I know what it’s like to live in the very long, but gentle, shadow of two heroic parents.
These are the same parents I asked one humid summer before my senior year of college to, “Please, sit down. I have something to tell you.” My father, the chemist, and my mother, the math teacher, obliged. They were very still. While the air conditioner hummed in the background, I told them I was switching my major from Biology, where I had a full scholarship, to Theatre. My father, the chemist, asked, “How are you going to make any money?” My mother, the math teacher, sat confused.
What a strange journey life is. At that time, nobody in that room could have guessed the adventures that would follow because of that decision.
I’ve created characters for Pulitzer finalists, collaborated with Tony award winners on new plays, played a lead character in an Emmy Award-winning TV series, traveled the country performing, taught college acting classes, gained two degrees in the field, and written a nationally-acclaimed play with my wife
Oh, and I met my wife while learning Cirque arts for a show; my heart fell for a trapeze artist. What is one plus side to trusting a person to hold your life in her hands? You trust that person with your heart.
I’ve now devoted half my life to understanding people, looking for what motivates them, what scares them, and what drives them—and discovering what gives them great joy. I’ve spent half my life discovering what the world looks like through the eyes of other people. When I came to audition for this job of portraying young Thomas Jefferson and realized there was not one 80-page script, but 22,000 letters—I was both terrified and thrilled. Never before had I been given so much material though which to maneuver. There is great freedom in that movement. And I have an incomparable mentor.
I remember vividly the first time I met Bill Barker. I was walking up the sloped dirt path that leads to the Charlton Stage when it happened (No, I didn’t see a tall gentleman in fine 18th-century dress). It began pouring rain. The skies had, in one moment, opened up and there was zero chance of keeping your underwear dry. A voice called out in the near distance, one I would two seconds later come to know as Bill Barker’s voice. He offered protection under the porch of his own home that day and “in all future storms,” he said. This generosity is something I have come to understand as the way Bill lives his life. I could write an entire blog about the journey on which Bill Barker has taken me and pepper in stories like this. In fact, I believe I will do just that soon. Very soon…
The trick to approaching Thomas Jefferson is to continue to see him as a human, not an immortalized god. The absolute best parts of my day are finding some very human, very flawed, very hopeful, very raw anecdote of Jefferson’s life. To take him off that pedestal we created for him is, for me, not an act of malice as the toppling of some ousted ruler’s statue, but rather a way to truly see the man. To look him in his eyes and say, “I see you. I see you.” This is where I am now, slowly ascending Tom’s mountain. Not to reach the summit and say, “I’ve arrived”, but to enjoy the winding roads along the way. Slowly, letter-by-letter, I am making my way to meet the boy sitting on the floor of that dimly lit room. Perhaps I’ll interrupt him and ask him a million questions. Or, perhaps I’ll look over his shoulder and read the same words he read.
You’ll find Kurt at the Hennage on Thursdays, beginning June 17 for Educating Thomas Jefferson: Philosophy, Law, and an Enlightened Mind.
GUEST BLOGGER: KURT SMITH
Kurt Benjamin Smith portrays young Thomas Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg. He lives with his wife and their test child: a 4 year old Spaniel mix named Stella.When he’s not imagining conversations he would have with Jefferson, he enjoys reading a non-discriminatory array of books, stalking Bill Barker, helping himself to unhealthy portions of scientific articles, cooking with his wife, talking to the budding vegetables in his backyard gardens and making Michelle laugh. On his weekends, he and Michelle frequent Williamsburg Winery with dear friends.
Kurt…we saw you for the first time today at the Tucker house. It was obvious from the start that CW definitely chosen the right person to portray young Mr. Jefferson. We so enjoyed the presentation, and it was moving to see how much your new “job” means to you. The tears in your eyes brought tears to mine. Welcome to CW and we hope to see you many years to come.
Hello! Quite exciting to have some deeper interpretation of the ‘younger Jefferson.’ I wish you all the best! As a frequent visitor to Williamsburg, as an alumna of W & M, and as a passionate Jefferson enthusiast, this all sounds quite exciting. Back in 2000, in the Fall issue of the Colonial Williamsburg Journal (it.), I had published an article on William Small and his influence on Jefferson. I have since self-published an historical fiction novel (taking place, some in Williamsburg and around the time of the American Revolution) as well as an exec summary bio of Mr Jefferson. In all of these years, I have most often, of those times of Mr Jefferson’s life, always imagined the soirées amongst Dr Small, George Wythe, Governor Fauquier, and Mr Jefferson. With the increased focus on Young Jefferson, it would be great if there might be a program, at some point, focused on the interaction with these men and, perhaps, recreating one of the soirées in the Governor’s Palace. I don’t know whether Williamsburg has ever done that, but I might have missed it. Anyway, it could be an evening program or even something at the Hennage (for an even greater audience). Either sort of program might involve some discussion of topics (e.g., science, politics, belles lettres, etc.) amongst the four and some playing of instruments, but I think it could be well-attended. It is kind of like a little window into a specific scene. Just a few thoughts…I hope all goes well! You have an excellent mentor in Bill Barker, and I think the complement of you both together will be intriguing. I am planning to be back in Williamsburg this Fall (I try to get there 1-2 times a year), so I look forward to seeing your interpretation of Mr Jefferson then! Thanks!! Cynthia
What a wonderful idea, Cynthia Miller!
Kurt , thanks for the information. The article said you’d be there Thursdays after 6/17 so I’d hoped that meant every Thursday! Too bad. We’re so sorry to miss you on our trip. Hopefully we will see you around CW one day! I appreciate you taking the time to check the schedule. Best of luck!
Welcome Kurt! Williamsburg is a magical place-history is alive there in a way unlike any other place, and it’s people like you and Bill Barker who have brought it to life. I have to share a photo of my favorite Thomas Jefferson moment. I have 3 sons, and a special memory I’ve created with each of them was a trip to CW when they were 12 years old. In 2010 I was there with my youngest son. We had just finished touring the Wythe house-one of my favorite places. Standing in the study, looking out the windows, I’ve always imagined a young Thomas Jefferson looking up from his books and seeing the same vista. As we stepped into the hall, I saw Bill standing, completely unnoticed and unoccupied, near the back of the hall. I couldn’t let the opportunity pass! I introduced myself to him, and he very graciously talked to us about his/Thomas Jefferson’s experiences studying with George Wythe, and memorable times he had in his home. Looking forward to seeing you in days and years to come in visits to CW as well!
Welcome, Kurt! As long-time fans of TJ, CW, and Bill Barker, we are super excited that you are joining the CW family of Founding Fathers! We just moved to North Carolina from Texas, so now we can come visit more than just once or twice a year! We often talk about how much fun it would be to get to work for CW —- my husband’s dream gig would be to learn a hands-on trade, and I would love to get to be one of the actors portraying a historical figure. You are truly living the dream, and you are going to rock! We are so happy for you and can’t wait to meet you — maybe at the Tucker House sometime! Welcome!
Katherine,
Congrats on your move to NC! Moving across the country is a feat and nearly takes an act of congress. If you find that you two want to live the dream and come here, please check this page for openings: https://www.hrapply.com/cwf/AppJobList.jsp
That page is a prime example of just how gargantuan this place is. Please introduce yourself when you are next in Williamsburg. I would love to chat with you two.
In awe of Colonial Williamsburg’s fans,
Kurt-
Hi, Kurt. We are so excited about this new addition to Williamsburg - we are huge Jefferson fans. We’ll be in CW at the end of July, but don’t see your program listed on the events calendar! Will you be speaking on July 28th at Hennage? Hoping so….best of luck to you on this great adventure!
Megan,
I love Thomas, too. Let’s geek out about Jefferson when you’re here! I am not sure who is at the Hennage on July 28, but I’ll ask around and with any luck, I’ll find the answer to your question. I’m away from my usual post at CW for the next couple of days, so it might take me a bit to get that answer, but you better believe as soon as I know it, I’ll post it here. Thank you for your support of Jefferson, of Colonial Williamsburg and of education.
Cheers!
Kurt-
Megan,
On July 28 the Hennage program, as it is currently scheduled, will be Patrick Henry and Gowan Pamphlet in a program called “A Case for Baptists”. I should state clearly that schedules sometimes change and that may be the case for this July 28th.
I hope this helps you plan your visit!
All my best,
Kurt-
Just by this response we know CW has chosen well! It is exactly this interaction of I A and visitor that makes CW and your work so valuable! When my husband, (whom Bill calls Reverend Harrison) praised Bill’s q & a Bill modestly responded “Oh, I’m just an actor!” my husband said, “And a very good one, but you are a teacher!” You have accepted such a mission! We’re happy you have, and we look forward to seeing, hearing, you at presentations and at the Tucker House. Bunny Harrison.
Welcome with congratulations and anticipation.,. Wishing you a long and successful career as an interpreter of Thomas Jefferson.. I think you will find Colonial Williamsburg most hospitable with wonderful visitors who are excited to learn more of our history. In effect, CW is a text book and contributes to making knowledgeable citizens. God’s blessings!
Mrs.(Frederick) Lucille L. Harrison,
Thank you for your warm welcome! I love the textbook analogy! Except we are a textbook that comes to life; one that you may interact with; ask questions of; laugh with; and get to know on a more human level. You are completely correct in writing about our mission to make “knowledgeable citizens.” How else can we have a republic that works to the benefit of all but through citizens who are educated and enlightened?
-Kurt
Kurt ..Congratulations on your road to becoming Colonial Williamsburg’s young Thomas Jefferson. What a wonderful story! As a frequent visitor to CW, I am looking forward to seeing you. Also, how fortunate for you to have a wonderful mentor in Bill Barker as you make your journey! Good Luck!
Thank you, Maria!
Life’s journeys are strange aren’t they? When you’re planning your life, you see it as a straight path forward, but when you look back in retrospect, you see just how non-linear it is.
Sometimes, usually in quiet moments, I almost have to pinch myself to make sure this is not just a dream.
All my best,
-Kurt
Kurt, I hope you will blog again, and tell us about some of those imaginary conversations you are having with Mr. Jefferson! 😉
What a delightful idea, Julie!! I will consider working that into a future blog. If you see it in a future blog, you’ll know it’s there because of you. Thank you for the suggestion. 😉
-Kurt
Congratulations on your new gig, Kurt! We are looking forward to meeting you some day. Time spent at CW in a small group at the St George Tucker house with Jefferson is at the top of our golden memories list. He teased my son about having such beautiful manners as to relinquish his seat to an adult and we being from the Philadelphia area of all places! It sounds like CW has scored in finding you with all your marvelous talent and we wish you great success as you tackle this huge role. Break a leg!
Ann Langerhans
Moorestown, NJ
Ann,
The St George Tucker house is a great experience! I tell people that becoming a donor is worth the $100 for that experience alone. That story about Mr. Jefferson teasing your son is a prime example. Please introduce yourself when we meet, and if your son is there, I’ll tease him too!
Cheers!
Kurt-
Would a donation include your child or is it 100 per person? I’ve always wondered but never asked.
Joan,
I wish I knew the answer to your question, but I do not. However, I’ll bet you anything these guys know:
http://www.history.org/foundation/development/
Will you reply to this feed when you ask the Development team and discover the answer? You know, for the more general diffusion of knowledge? (See what I did there?)
-Kurt
Hello again,
The $100 donation was from our family and included the four of us. We only would stop in St. George Tucker’s house once a day, but membership includes the annual report and a lovely Christmas ornament, plus the satisfaction of feeling a deeper connection to CW.
That is some gorgeous writing. Congrats on your new role. The care you show makes me awfully excited to meet the young Jefferson at Williamsburg soon.
Thank you, Nancy!
I just want to do right by Thomas. He excelled at nearly every facet of life because he took great care. In that way, I have two mentors: Bill and Thomas.
Please introduce yourself when you’re next in Colonial Williamsburg.
Congratulations Mr. Smith. You are beginning a most excellent journey. Thank you for bringing to life a young Thomas Jefferson. He is my hero.
Mary,
I can, without a doubt, say he is my hero as well. Cheers to the journey!
-Kurt
Welcome to Williamsburg! I volunteer at the Rockefeller Library and had the pleasure of meeting you a few weeks ago. I look forward to seeing you in your new role.
Helene,
The Rock is my home away from home. I spend so much of my time there reading his words that I should be paying rent.
See you again soon!
Kurt-
Hello Mr. Jefferson,
I had the pleasure to meet you this March and very much look forward to seeing you again this summer. I anticipate that we shall have much to discuss. Would you happen to know the time period the powers that be have in mind for you to portray? I imagine and hope it includes the whole Revolutionary War (or at least up to your service as governor. Good Luck down there and see you soon.
Mike,
I will be portraying young TJ from his time reading law under Mr. Wythe up through his governorship. Those are some extremely active years for TJ (but then they all were). We have a whole slate of exciting programs we have been working on. Stay tuned.
Cheers
Kurt-
This truly brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of you and for you! We can’t wait to come see you and Michelle in Colonial Williamsburg.
Jody,
Please come to Colonial Williamsburg! And I must admit that I cried while I wrote the final few sentences. I am so fortunate to be here with Michelle and that we both have this opportunity.
Cheers!
Kurt-
My husband and I are hoping to meet you when we return to Williamsburg. Not sure when that will be, but we’ll be looking for you. Mr. Barker does a fabulous job as Mr. Jefferson so he will be a great mentor for you.
Jeannine,
Bill is an unparalleled mentor. I feel like my head and heart grow every time we meet. That’s an inherent quality of his job, I feel, and completely unexpected.
Cheers!
Kurt-
Hello to a fellow Arkansan…glad to see you are living the dream of working and living in Colonial Williamsburg…wish I were as lucky. Good luck in your new endeavor…
Marsha Heien
Stuttgart, Arkansas
home of the Grand Prairie and the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest
Marsha,
Next time you make the trip to Williamsburg, please introduce yourself. I have been to Stuttgart many times, though I must admit I never knew it was home to the world’s championship duck calling contest! Now I must go back!
Go Hogs!
-Kurt
The Wings over the P:rairie festival is always Thanksgiving weekend….carnival rides down Main Street, craft tents, food trucks, State and World contests, the whole nine yards…just google World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and you can check it out!