Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By RACHEL RAIFORD | Staff Writer 

MONTEVALLO – To kick off its 25th anniversary the American Village will be hosting national podcasters Dr. Clay Jenkinson and Dr. Hal Bidlack, who will be playing the parts of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, as they square off in a civil discourse on Thursday, Oct. 17. 

The podcasters will be fully dressed up as the founding fathers and will be discussing America’s founding, the way the government should be run and much more. 

“They historically did not like each other,” said Melanie Poole, communications officer for the American Village. “This may be a civil discourse or maybe not, that’s half the fun of it.” 

The American Village is using this event to begin its celebrations for the 25th anniversary. 

In addition to the program, a catered dinner will be served at 6 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. 

“The event is black tie optional, dust off that tux or suit and come on out to join us for the evening,” said Poole. 

Jenkins is a humanities scholar, author and educator. He is well known for his podcast Listening to America, formerly known as the Thomas Jefferson Hour. It can be found on Apple Podcasts as well as YouTube. 

Bidlack is a retired officer of the Air Force who has also served as the director of Global Environmental Affairs. He is well known for his radio show Hamilton Lives. 

Both men travel the country portraying their founding fathers in front of crowds at schools, universities, museums and now the American Village. 

“After their performances they will be sticking around for pictures and meet and greets with everyone in attendance,” Poole said. 

The Civil/Uncivil Discourse will be a ticketed event. Tickets are priced at $150 and can be found on the event page on Americanvillage.org.