- Washington, DC
- Historical Character
- Contact for rates
Debbie P. said
“He is the most amazing Mr Franklin you are truly transported back In time everyone had a terrific time ”
George Washington LIVE!
Mount Vernon, VA
$476 for short travel gigs; $1776 up for keynotes
Travels up to 200 miles
GW at Powhatan Patriots Rally
GW 225th Annapolis Birth of the Republic Day
2015-02-22 (Introduction) to George Washington's Prayers He Penned at Age 20
2015-02-22 George Washington's Prayers for Our Country, in 'his' Christ Church
When America Met China narrated by G. Washington
From Sea to Shining Sea
Fredericksburg front page
TJ in GW's "back yard" of Mount Vernon
GW in Minnesota
Martha Washington (Mary Ann Merritt) with George Washington Celebrating Completion of Constitution Ride All Across America
Richmond's Elijah House Academy in Miss Merritt's 3rd Grade Class (May A.D. 2010)
screen shot of NV Daily multi-media slide show
Overview
Be enlivened by George Washington LIVE! or Book the Clintons? (ha, ha)
George Washington - as seen in LIFE, Time, Newsweek, New York Times, and Times of India, among a few...
"Literary power and statesmanship were combined in George Washington",
per America's Educator, Noah Webster.
'States' Manship powerfully combines humor, and literary, scholarly, exciting facts
to "paint" 3 dimensional portraits of George Washington.
Manship produced the George Washington "Man of the Millennium" Book Festival televised by C-SPAN Television.
In five months StatesManship traveled four times from Sea to Shining Sea,
over 30,000 miles to Washington sites all across America.
GW enlivens! GW Lives!
Reviews
6 reviews
Jim S.
May 27, 2025Private video project
I worked with James Manship a.k.a. President Washington / General Washington on a three day video shoot in and around Washington DC. He has a servant heart, attention to detail, follows scripts and direction well and is great with the camera as well as personal interaction.
I recommend him for any occasion or video production especially as you think about the 250th Anniversary of America's snd our first president and general.
Hired as: Historical Character
George Washington LIVE!
Reviewer Jim Schmidt is a producer and a performer. Truly enjoyed getting to know this fine man and working with him and his crew on his video shoot. We have been in touch over the years, and he kindly contacted me about another event here at Liberty University in the near future with a Christian Law group that I will love to meet and speak with.
Mindy C.
February 8, 2023A Fun and Memorable Addition to
James was a true delight to work with. As George Washington, James attended a wedding reception to read and present a Proclamation for the newlywed couple. Additionally, he assisted with cutting the cake using his ceremonial sabre. The young couple and the guests all enjoyed the surprise and excitement created.
James was extremely easy to communicate with and exceeded our expectations!
Hired as: Historical Character
George Washington LIVE!
The Georges was the event venue where "The George" had the joy of joining with the lovely couple, family and friends in Lexington, Virginia just blocks from Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute where the bride teaches chemistry. Fun time with a fine family.
Steven C. S.
December 10, 2014Henricus Colledge (1619) likes GW Live1
Over more than a decade Henricus Colledge (1619), "America's 1st College~Revived" has been involved with James Manship as he wonderfully character-portrays Geo. Washington. He has appeared at many of our historical commemorations, and simply "wows" the participants with his accurate, factual, prayer-filled presentations with follow-up interactive answers. One of my favorite examples comes from a time I had him make an unannounced visit to my men's weekly Bible-study, held in a conference room. GW strode in, dropped to his knees at one end of the table, and led us, all-agog, in a GW prayer. While still on his knees, almost eye-level with the table, he was asked "Where do you live?", and GW answered simply "Mt. Vernon, of course." Gales of loving laughter! We still laugh at ourselves about that, as somebody inquires how and where GW is lately, and how much we look forward to his next visit. I long-ago began to count James as a history-teaching colleague and friend. Yes, dear reader of this note, I do recommend him for your group, whatever it might be, including youth groups. Blessings. Steven C. Smith, Chancellor, Email: henricus.colledge.1619@gmail.com. 10 Dec 2014
Hired as: Christian Speaker, Historical Character, Patriotic Entertainment
Mary M.
December 9, 2014President George Washington Became our Friend
When James Manship (aka'George Washington') visited our school in Richmond, Virginia, he made a terrific connection with the students. From our Kindergarten class to our high schoolers, he engaged the students with facts of history, humor, and an effort to communicate the kindness and character of our first president. The passion with which Mr. Manship conveys President George Washington is unique, in that, through his portrayal, one envisions not only the gentleman farmer, loving husband, and thoughtful family man that he was, but also the fiery defender of liberty that our nation depended on him to become. The research that Mr. Manship has invested in learning not only facts but also the spirit and heart of President Washington is evident in his presentation. Mr. Manship's portrayal duly honors this great man and stirred our desire to know more of President Washington. He made our day exciting and fun-and we learned in the process! George Washington became our "friend".
Hired as: Historical Character
George Washington LIVE!
This fine lady was a third grade teacher whose classroom was so inviting and interesting, I wanted to just take a seat, listen and learn. She now has been promoted to principal of the grade school, and still teaches two subjects, Art and Bible. She is a great encourager, and her students are blessed by their time with her teaching, and direction, to become better behaved and ever sweeter children.
David H. P.
December 7, 2014Educator and researcher brings history alive.
I observed Mr. Manship produce the C-span historical book review on George Washington and coordinate a wide range of content experts. James is gifted at reaching ages 5 to 95 and is excellent at adapting to the interests of groups. He is invited to speak at corporate events, business associations, and conferences across America. James has appeared 5 times before the Virginia House of Delegates to receive a standing ovation on Washington's Birthday. He is respected for his knowledge on the Constitution, grand jury, Jefferson and Madison. I am aware that James is called upon by writers for his skills in researching and editing. James is recognized by more than 40 county and national newspapers. He has spoken in 33 county seats named for George Washington and 48 states.
Hired as: Author, Business Motivational Speaker, Educational Entertainment, Emcee, Historical Character, Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker, Narrator, Patriotic Entertainment, Political Entertainment, Storyteller, Voice Actor
George Washington LIVE!
While I may have spoken All Across America, David Harrison has spoken at medical education conferences around the world, from Chicago, to Boston, to Oxford, to Geneva, to the country of Kazakstan. David Harrison is a master at Medical Education, while I have been described in 2005 by The Washington Times columnist John McCaslin as a "Master of American History" and in 2010 in The New York Times reporter Samuel Freedman spoke of Navy Veteran Manship "prepared a sort of concordance to the Preamble" of this Constitution, Mr. Harrison in his worldwide medical education focus is a man dedicated to saving lives.
Booking information
Price range: $476 for short travel gigs; $1776 up for keynotes
Languages: English
Gig length: 9 - 90 minutes
What to expect
A 30 year history teacher wrote, "What David McCullough and others are doing between the covers of books, Mr. Manship is doing in person, the substantive information combined with the pageantry of costume is an extraordinary entry into the life and times of an era…”
Passion or energy, scholarship on Washington and this Constitution, military and civic leadership experience, and facial appearance many folks say looks like Washington, combine to create a memorable experience for folks in the audience, such that George Washington comes alive.
George Washington LIVE! connects with the audience whether reading to children in a small group of "Revolutionary Readers", or in a class setting, an assembly for the entire school or college, or at a convention with hundreds, or an amphi-theater with thousands.
Northern Virginia Daily newspaper did a nice "multi-media" interview of my early 2008 visit in my previous uniform, boots and cap to Woodstock, Virginia. The Northern Virginia Daily has posted the interview online. The final photo is priceless, a red, white and blue hug!
(link hidden)
The Capitol newspaper of Annapolis also had a nice slide show, but no longer maintains the link as active, however, I made a video of their slide show with my "narration" and posted to YouTube posted here on this website video section.
x--(link hidden)
About
See George Washington come alive, with “George Washington LIVE!”
(NOTE: This is not concise, but please do a quick "scan read", to see if there is something that "grabs you". A slower read may be quite educational.)
[ALSO NOTE: George Washington enjoys coming to visit you with his dear Martha, or with any or many of his able aides Jefferson, Madison, Nelson, Reed, Lincoln, Lee, or another Lee. "Here a Lee, there a Lee, everywhere a Lee, Lee..." as sung in the Broadway Musical "1776"... And "The General" can even lead an Army (or a Choir) of Patriot Singers! Please ask for details...]
REACH OUT - shake HIS nation - Be “Revolutionary”
Resolve to Revolve America forward on
the firm Foundations of our Founding Fathers
Be an Actor on the American Stage -
like George Washington...
“A greater drama is being acted on the American stage
than heretofore has ever been acted in the world.”
~~ George Washington
In 1788, those wise words were penned by the President of the Constitution Convention, retired General George Washington, while waiting on the states to ratify the greatest accomplishment of his life, “this Constitution for the United States of America” - the Supreme statement of Statesmanship over Politics, a republic over a democracy, a light for Liberty all around the world, and one of the most Sacred documents in the History of Mankind.
Forty years later, in 1828, America’s Educator, and creator of America’s Dictionary, Noah Webster, who once applied, but was not chosen for a job at Mount Vernon as tutor of Martha Washington’s grandchildren, wrote the best-ever, three sentence “definition” of Washington:
“Literary power and statesmanship were combined in George Washington, the greatest political leader of his time and also the greatest intellectual and moral force of the Revolutionary period.
"Everybody knows Washington as a quiet member of the Virginia Assembly, of the two Continental Congresses, and of the Constitutional Convention.
"Few people realize that he was also the most voluminous American writer of his period, and that his principles of government have had more influence on the development of the American commonwealth than those of any other man.”
Statesmanship is Acting in the Role of a Leader.
As an “Actor” on the American Stage, one must know that not all “Acts” are “pretend”, or fiction or drama, even though dramatic, and “performed” by the “Actor”; or even legislative “Acts”.
In life are Acts of Courage, Acts of Kindness, Acts of Prayer, Acts of Grace, and Acts of God.
A man who acts as an elected servant of the Virginia Assembly votes on legislative Acts, and acts as an inspiring History teacher for over three decades, Delegate Lee Ware, wrote in 2002:
“What David McCullough and others are doing between the covers of printed books, Mr. Manship is doing in person, the substantive information combined with the pageantry of costume is an extraordinary entry into the life and times of an era…”
I say, “I seek to share a “three dimensional, living portrait of The President - ‘...first in the hearts of his countrymen’, George Washington, ‘ he was Second to None…’ ”
The three dimensions of which I speak are Washington’s Public Life for America, his Private Live with family, and his Prayer Life with His Lord, from boyhood on, that as President he said was his “First duty”.
Some public schools and institutions are skittish to hear about that third dimension, so I can share only two, or even one, still better than none. I can adjust to the desires of the organizers of whatever event may be planned.
Craftsmanship is key. I craft my “act”, my keynote, to your unique needs at your annual meeting, convention, conference, seminar, banquet, parade or function.
---> Please contact me to learn when I may be available for your function, or for information on hundreds of companies, associations, conventions, parades, press conferences, book festivals, schools, colleges, civic groups, or churches where “GW” has spoken with Americans, “Acting” as a Leader on the American Stage.
See George Washington come alive, with “George Washington LIVE!”
'States' Manship has five times received as George Washington standing ovations in the House of Delegates in Richmond, in 2001 and four other times, most recently 2011. 'States' Manship was appointed by Governor James S. Gilmore to serve on the Mount Vernon Board of Visitors from 1998 to 2001.
In 2008, 'States' Manship re-enacted the 225th "Birth of the Republic Day" resignation of General Washington to the Congress meeting in Annapolis, Maryland. In 2010 and 2012, Manship as Washington was pictured in The New York Times, and in 2003 and 2012 in LIFE Magazine, as well as many other publications in other years.
Live His Story, Live History... See and hear J.R. 'States' Manship as George Washington LIVE!
_________________________________________________________________
1998 Appointed to Mount Vernon Board of Visitors by Governor Gilmore.
1999 Did over 100 GW "Dinner Theater" performances to over 5000 high school students visiting Washington on tours.
2000 Primary actor to dramatize several books presented at the all day George Washington "Man of the Millennium" Book Festival televised nationwide by C-SPAN TV.
2000 As GW, traveled over 30,000 miles in 5 months during election season, received over 30 news articles and photos.
2001 First of five Standing Ovations by Virginia House of Delegates for work on Washington's Birthday.
2001 Opening Invocation for Congress of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Constitution Hall
2001 Patrick Henry Award for Outstanding Service from Governor Jim Gilmore
2003 "Revolutionary Christmas" playwright, invited to be the GW actor in that play at Regent University Theater.
2004 USS Enterprise Eagle Scout Awards Banquet speaker
2004 Navy Chaplains Convention Keynote Speaker on First Navy Flag, the Appeal to Heaven Flag, Liberty Tree Flag.
2005 First book on George Washington "Prayer Warrior Washington"
2007 Rejoined Civil Air Patrol, Public Affairs Officer, promoted to Major
2008 "A Civil Air for America" - second book on George Washington
2008 Promoted State of Maryland 225th anniversary of resignation of General Washington, key speaker at State Dinner with the Governor
2003 to 2015 Keynote speaker at fundraisers for many different groups and candidates
2010 Third book "Second to None: America's Washington"
2010 Featured in New York Times article on 6 November
2011 On C-SPAN as National Press Club Press Conference speaker
2012 LIFE magazine annual best photos edition, featured in
2012 Library of Congress awarded copyright on research and design of Washington Cruiser, Liberty Tree Flag, First Navy Flag (from 2004 Navy Chaplains keynote research and three years more research...)
2014 "Lead Off Speaker" on Independence Day at DAR - Constitution Hall as part of Celebrate America!
2014 Leading actor for American University student film, "When America Met China".
2015 Leading actor for Christ Church video of "Daily Sacrifice" prayers of George Washington
Additional booking notes
I have worked in many venues, from kindergarten classrooms to high school assemblies to law school auditoriums, from outdoor amphi-theaters, to university auditoriums and historic hotel theater stages, to church pulpits.
I have a "command voice", and also have sung solos, duets, and small groups as one of the "Founding Fathers and Sons of Liberty", and solo or in groups at public events, so can adapt to many situations. See the Hanover Courthouse video (end of the 10 minute video) to see how I lead the Citizens to sing in unison!
Services offered
Past booked events
February 2023
04
Saturday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Lexington, VA
November 2017
06
Monday
Convention/Trade Show
4:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Washington, DC
January 2017
07
Saturday
Corporate Event
8:00pm - 8:45pm
•
Alexandria, VA
October 2016
23
Sunday
Corporate Event
7:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Rockville, MD
April 2015
10
Friday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Washington, DC
Set list
In some settings, I create the scenes by "wordsmanship" with the narrative of my presentation.
Depending on your needs and time constraints, I can speak for 5 to 15 to 50 minutes, to 5 hours or 5 days, though no one as yet has asked for the latter two, or as I write below in the typical gig duration, 9 to 90 minutes.
I can do a one hour long, one day long or even a week long in-depth instruction on "this Constitution for the United States of America", the greatest document of statesmanship in the history of Man, that has been copied in whole or in part by dozens if not over one hundred nations in the world. While imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, it is also the sign of the influence of the American system across continents and centuries, a system of statesmanship that has transformed space and time.
Also, I can do a one day or week long travel around Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic training teachers in making History come alive by being a "Living Historian", both for students in the classroom and to benefit fellow citizens in your community.
I have done many "dinner theater" type performances, and been the keynote speaker at fundraiser banquets.
Influences and inspiration
NOTE: In relation to the above - SOLO or GROUP - I have other Living Historians that I work with, so I can come with Martha Washington, or James Madison, or Thomas Jefferson, or even with Lincoln*
INFLUENCE: Actor Hal Holbrook as "Mark Twain Tonight", I studied and read a biography about Holbrook that helped me understand the role of a re-enactor.
As a boy of ten in 1963, I was encouraged by the publisher of The Atlanta Constitution, Pulitzer prize winner Ralph McGill, to read this Constitution for the United States of America. At high school debate tournaments, I competed in Dramatic Reading and Extemporaneous Speaking events.
In 1993, I completed an intense one page study of the Preamble to this Constitution that was described by The New York Times on 6 November 2010 as the "Concordance to the Preamble".
George Washington was the "Caped Crusader for this Constitution" and I seek to continue his crusade.
*Lincoln is my Second in Command at Yorktown, who I decided would accept the surrender from the British, General Benjamin Lincoln, the general on the white horse in that famous painting of the Surrender of the British at Yorktown!
Setup requirements
An audience.
When Emcee, program schedule, and phonetic spelling for people to be mentioned.
Knowledge in advance as to time to start and talk duration
Drinking Water (Kangen Alkaline preferred)
Testimonials
Master of American History -- "Our Father" -- The last time we wrote about George Washington (aka James Renwick Manship, who keeps busy impersonating the "father of our country" at patriotic rallies across America), was after the New Hampshire legislature voted to rename a mountain after President Reagan. A master of American History, Mr. Manship considers Mr. Reagan "the most important man in the world in the past century" -- but that is where he draws the line. "The highest peak in the presidential range is 'Mount Washington' for President George Washington, the most important man in the world in the last millennium," he says. "Because he was the first military leader in over 2000 years -- since before Jesus Christ, since Cato and Cincinnatus in the Roman Republic -- to peacefully give up military power and thereby gave birth to our American Republic, thus becoming the father of his country." Mr. Reagan, himself, declared in 1982, "The most sublime picture in American history is of George Washington on his knees" in the snow at Valley Forge. (It continues on to discuss the new law by Congress about teaching "this Constitution for the United States of America".)
– John McCaslin, Columnist
Dear Mr. Manship, The Joint Military Attache' School sincerely appreciates your help in making our course a success. As you know, we train military diplomats before their deployment to 130 U.S. Embassies worldwide. Attache' duty is usually a one-time opportunity that requires extensive preparation for success, especially for the spouses of our Service members. These assignments are high visibility and sensitive, requiring direct spousal participation in helping to represent United States of America.... Your presentation, George Washington Lives, helped all our students develop pride in the U.S. and a deeper appreciation for the public life upon which they are about to embark. Since many of our spouses are foreign born, your performance added dramatically to their grasp of American history, while giving them one more theme idea to use in representation. You worked hard to connect with the students and to put them at ease. Your costume presentation was enjoyable; we appreciate your openness to questions and the way you enthusiastically shared your first hand research into American history. Thank you for your support of our training mission. Good luck in your future.
– Colonel John C. Pemberton, USAF, Dean, Joint Military Attache' School
Nice line: "What David McCullough and others are doing between printed covers, Mr. Manship is doing in person." "Enclosed is a reference for James R. Manship, who is seeking the McGraw Prize in Education. I am pleased to submit his name and offer enthusiastic support to a man whose live and endeavors are devoted to vivifying the Founding Era. What David McCullough and others are doing between printed covers, Mr. Manship is doing in person." "His presentations are an extraordinary entry into the life and experience entry into the life and experience of an era. But to continue is to step into my reference. I earnestly hope you will weigh carefully the considerable merits of this man." "I am, Sincerely yours, R. Lee Ware"
– Lee Ware, Virginia Delegate from Powhatan
Continued from Nomination for the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education Award for Mr. James Renwick Manship: "His testimony before the legislative committee led to my invitation to speak at school. While there he spoke before five separate groups during the course of the day, ranging from the kindergarten class to seniors. His topics spanned from the Cherry Tree Story to the Presidency of the Constitutional Convention and were pegged appropriately for each audience. Mr. Manship holds the unique ability to embody as well as explicate Washington for students. He captures in his presentations something of the spirit and motivation of Washington, at the same time as he deploys a daunting breadth of knowledge of both the man and his enveloping circumstances."/"I believe recognition of his dedication such as your award would confer, would be a significant boost toward making his one-man dramatization more available and accessible to young people." "Mr. Manship has travelled across the country, speaking at schools and in other forums, at considerable personal sacrifice and through some modest support from friends. Your award would help ... boost it to the next level."
– Lee Ware, Virginia Delegate from Powhatan
"Seventy-five students sitting spellbound in an auditorium for an hour is an extraordinary thing to witness, the more so when their ages range from 4th grade through 11th grade. Such was the case this fall when James Manship strode into Excalibur Hall at my school and spun out tales of the life of George Washington while dressed in full regalia. I am in my third decade teaching and Mr. Manship's combination of substantive history with the pageantry of costume is uncommon. He came to Blessed Sacrament Huguenot school (where I currently teach) last fall, and both teachers and students continue to catch me with a fact or an observation from that event of months ago." ... "I learned he has also held a gubernatorial appointment to the Mount Vernon Board of Visitors and was recognized by Governor James S. Gilmore with the Patrick Henry Award for service to the Commonwealth." ..."These official recognitions and the quality of his labors on behalf of a restoration of our understanding of 'the indispensable man" George Washington are evidence of a singular dedication to the enduring qualities of Washington." - from Nomination for The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education Award.
– Lee Ware, Virginia Delegate from Powhatan
Thank you so much for arranging for George Washington's visit to the Hollin Hall Military History Discussion Group on Monday, February 14, 2000. We had heard about his appearances at other places from some of our members and knew that we would be in for an informative and inspirational session. But when he came, he surpassed our high expectations. Seeing him in person and hearing first hand his views and enthusiasm reminded us that this was a flesh and blood man who accomplished all of these things, and reviewing the full measure of his career served to give us a much higher appreciation of the indispensable role he played in the birth and structuring of our nation. We will never again feel the same as we did in the past when we hear his name mentioned. Now it will be not only someone special but also someone whom we have met and remember vividly. We hope you will continue to support him in this worthwhile quest in these so different modern times. And thank you again for making it possible for us to be exposed to his cherished values and broad vision. Appreciatively, Stan Wielga, Co-Chairman
– Stan Wielga, Co-Chairman, Hollin Hall Senior Center
When James Manship (aka 'George Washington') visited our school in Richmond, Virginia, he made a terrific connection with the students. From our Kindergarten class to our high schoolers, he engaged the students with facts of history, humor, and an effort to communicate the kindness and character of our first president. The passion with which Mr. Manship conveys President George Washington is uncommon in that one imagines not only the gentleman farmer and the loving husband and family man that he was but also the fiery defender of liberty that history required of him. The research that Mr. Manship has invested in learning not only facts but also the spirit and heart of President Washington is evident in his presentation. Mr. Manship's portrayal duly honors this great man and stirs a desire to know President Washington more. He made our day exciting and fun-and we learned in the process! George Washington became our "friend". - Mary Ann, Richmond, Virginia (First school visit, 19 May A.D. 2010, 3rd Grade teacher, and Principal)
– Mary Ann Merritt, 3rd Grade Teacher, & Principal
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