SERVICES

Carl Closs delights nationwide audiences that range from schoolchildren to business executives with his stirring portrayal of George Washington.  Clients praise his work with adjectives like "fabulous" and "terrific." Carl's enthusiasm for introducing Washington to present-day Americans and his encyclopedic knowledge about "the Father of Our Country" explain part of this success. But you'll discover that Carl's willingness and ability to fully customize a program to meet the exact needs of you and your group is what will really make his appearance so memorable. And no location is too remote, Carl has appeared before groups located throughout the continental USA and Hawaii.

* Banquets, Luncheons and Keynotes
* Business Openings and Sales Events
* Corporate Seminars and Meetings

* Custom School Programs
* Guided History Tours
* Meet More Historical Figures

* Parades, Parties and Other Events
* Private Dinner with The General
* Trade Shows and Conventions

* An Evening with the General and the Doctor NEW

* General Washington Meets The Press NEW
 

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Banquets, Luncheons and Keynotes

When "the Father of Our Country" delivers an inspiring address, any gripes about "rubber chicken" or early wake-up calls fade away. Your guests will be treated to a highly entertaining presentation and Q & A session that captures the true essence of Washington's leadership. But the real inspiration will come when Carl draws clear connections between how George Washington met the daunting task of building a new nation and how your own group can meet today's most difficult challenges.

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Business Openings and Sales Events

George Washington is the ultimate All American when it's time to kick-off the opening of a new retail location or major sales event. You'll attract more retail traffic and inspire confidence with our nation's leading symbol of honesty and integrity.

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Corporate Seminars and Meetings

Relatively few Americans know that George Washington was a brilliant and hugely successful businessperson. Carl Closs artfully blends experiences from his own 25+ year business career and in-depth knowledge of Washington into powerful sales, team building and leadership seminars that will help your business. These services are offered in conjunction with Team Building, Inc., a leading consulting firm that specializes in team building and participative management.

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Trade Shows and Conventions

Exhibiting at a trade show or convention demands significant expenditures of time and money. Carl Closs can help you leverage this investment by attracting scores of prospects to your exhibit. And the General has few equals when it comes to launching a revolutionary new product.

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A Private Dinner with George Washington

Most of us have played that informal game: "Who would you most like to meet or accompany to dinner?" Now you can bring that game to the next level by actually having dinner with George Washington. Well almost. It's the perfect treat for anyone who enjoys history and fine cuisine. You can pick the restaurant. Or you might let The General select one of his favorite 18th Century Inns that feature delectable cuisine, outstanding service and an ambience that will transport you back through the centuries.




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Custom School Programs

Carl Closs's real passion is helping students discover George Washington. His entertaining stories incorporate messages about moral character and values that endure long after a class visit or school assembly is over. And as a former educator, Carl knows the importance of customizing his program to meet the needs of you and your students. Sample full-day and half-day programs are described below.

Option 1: Full-day School Program

The specific details of the full day program are tailored to the needs and desires of the school.  However, it is usually divided into three or four parts as follows:

1. The General will conduct an Assembly for the entire school population, which may include home-schooled students and parents if you desire. This usually involves a school band if available, a flag ceremony, special guests, news media coverage, etc., and the dedication of a portrait of General Washington.  (Rembrandt Peale - framed print).

2. Essay Contest winners dine with “The General.”  (A maximum of ten students selected as the winners.) 

3. The General will visit the classes of one specific grade for a period each.* This will be in an interactive manner, which may be in any of the following formats that you desire.

• A question/answer period without any specific focus.

• A presentation followed by questions.

• A specific topic of discussion with the General as the moderator/participator, perhaps with desks arranged in a circular fashion. Any of these formats will make history come-alive.

4. The General will attend a “Faculty Appreciation Tea” at the end of the school day.  (Optional)

* If desired, two classes may-be combined and the time-period extended to two periods (The works well with a specific topic of discussion where the General serves as a moderator.). The General is open to any other format that is feasible.

Option 2: Half-day School Program

The specific details of the half-day program are tailored to the needs and desires of the school.  This may require two separate school programs on the same day.  However, the program is divided into two parts as follows:

1. The General will conduct an Assembly for the entire school population, which may include home-schooled students and parents if you wish. This usually involves a school band if available, a flag ceremony, special guests, news media coverage, etc., and the dedication of a portrait of General Washington. (Rembrandt Peale – framed print)

2. An interactive one-hour living history discussion with “the General” (as he was affectionately known). The General will meet with one entire grade, gathered together, in order to answer their questions.

Whether a full day or a half-day program, Carl is always ready to discuss ways of enhancing this experience for your students.

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Guided History Tours of the Philadelphia Region

You can really experience the Philadelphia Region's rich history with General George Washington as your personal tour guide. See Philadelphia's Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House and Constitution Center. Or you can explore Valley Forge's wind swept hills, new visitor center and Washington's Headquarters. Want even more? The General offers fully customized tours that can encompass everything from the huge Brandywine Battlefield to Washington's Summer White House in Philadelphia. Whether you have a full bus load or a smaller group,  Carl Closs will share insights that you simply won't get from a typical step-on tour guide.




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Parades, Parties and Other Events

What better way to highlight a patriotic or historic theme than the commanding appearance of General George Washington at your event? Carl Closs will add just the right touch of pomp and presence to your parade, opening ceremony, celebration or any occasion where you want to treat everyone to something that's truly special.




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More Historical Figures to Enliven Your Event

Carl Closs can give you access to a wide range of other historical personalities from Dr. Benjamin Franklin to a complete Revolutionary War regiment with fifers, drummers...even artillery! Or you might elect to have Martha Washington accompany George at your event. And you can be 100% confident that any historical figure that  "The General" recommends meets his own high standards for authenticity and entertainment value.




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An Evening with the General and the Doctor

This presentation featuring General George Washington (portrayed by Carl Closs) and Doctor Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by Dean Bennett) is designed for adult audiences.

The war has been over for four years. The Articles of Confederation are an abject failure; and the states have sent their best minds to the Capital to "amend" the articles. It's been a long, hot, humid and grueling Philadelphia summer and the delegates have completed their work.

General Washington and Doctor Franklin decide to meet for conversation over a glass of Madeira before proceeding to City Tavern for a celebratory meal with their fellow delegates on this momentous day--September 17, 1787.

Come, listen and interact with the two men who are the heart and soul of the American Revolution. They have just put their names to a new kind of government--a Republic. A Republic with central authority in which no one branch of government is more powerful than the others. Come and celebrate with them the birth of The Constitution of the United States of America! 

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General Washington Meets The Press

George Washington, like many of the Presidents who followed him into office, was not overly fond of the press. This stage presentation subjects The General to a lively interrogation by former newspaper reporter and editor, Bruce Mowday, the author of the popular book "September 11, 1777: Washington's Defeat At Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia." The audience is invited to ask their own questions at the conclusion of the press conference.

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