Storyteller Sharon Wood will present “Sarah Josepha Hale: A Lady of New Hampshire,” a first-person living history program about the influential 19th century American woman who was born in Newport, NH.  Hale is well known as the author of the children's poem, Mary's Lamb, and for her efforts over three decades to have Thanksgiving decreed a national holiday. Not so widely known are her lifetime achievements while editing the popular 19th century woman’s magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book. Wood will blend storytelling, theater and history in a lively portrayal of Mrs. Hale.

Sharon Wood is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State College with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She is a former kindergarten teacher, retired librarian, writer, storyteller, and living history presenter. In addition to portraying Sarah Josepha Hale, she also portrays several other notable women in American history, including  Mary Lincoln in joint presentations with her husband Steve. 

The Woods are members of the NH Storytelling Alliance (NHSA), Northeast Storytelling (NEST), the Association of Lincoln Presenters (ALP) and Solo Together, a consortium of living history presenters based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.