
Local historian Dr. Daisy Nelson Century will appear at the library on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
The Mullica Hill library will host Hatshepsut, the princess who would be king, in the person of historical interpreter Dr. Daisy Nelson Century on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Century will explain how the pharaoh’s reign was a prosperous time for Egypt.
“Hatshepsut defied tradition to rule Egypt for 23 peaceful years, leading a reign marked by exploration, innovation and grand architectural achievements,” explained Andrew Brenza, the library’s head of adult services. “This dynamic living-history performance offers an inspiring look at her legacy and impact.”
“Her father saw the leadership ability in Hatshepsut when she was a little girl,” Century notes on her website. “When she played in the courtyard with her friends, she would be the one to direct and tell everyone what to do. Her father made sure she went to school to learn to read, write, count and study the stars.”
Century has authored four books, has a doctorate in education and spent 20 years as a teacher in Philadelphia, according to the website. She is known for dressing like and playing historical figures at a number of venues, including the National Archives; the Sojourner Truth House; the Theodore Roosevelt National Historic Site; the Helicoptor Museum; and numerous schools, libraries, museums and historic sites throughout the United States.”
Century has also portrayed slave turned liberator Harriet Tubman; Bessie Colman, the first African American woman to become a licensed airplane pilot; and Phillis Wheatley, the first published Black poet.
Century’s appearance at the library begins at 6 p.m. The event is free but requires registration in advance on the GCLS website. The presentation is affiliated with a current art exhibit at the library, “Portraits by Loren Dann,” a look at the life and artwork of muralist Edith Mashier.