Robert Stoneback of The Daily Item has reported from Northumberland PA that, "More than 100 people came to Northumberland to celebrate the 281st birthday of philosopher, scientist and minister Joseph Priestley on March 9, 2014. The celebration occurred at the Joseph Priestley House, where Priestley spent the final 10 years of his life, from 1794 to 1804."
Ronald Blatchely a Joseph Priestley re-enactor who has frequently appeared at the Priestley House for the last 31 years was there dressed in colonial garb. On this day he worked in Joseph Priestley's laboratory and conducted experiments related to Priestley’s discovery of various gases. “He’s the most famous person you’ve never heard of,” Blatchley said.
Alan Bunner and Ron Brandt traveled from Virginia to attend the birthday celebration. The two are members of the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, outside Alexandria, Va. Bunner and Brandt performed the skit at Northumberland’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Bunner played Priestley while Brandt portrayed a modern day interviewer asking Priestley about his views on politics and religion. Priestley’s responses were formed using his own writings. “It was great fun,” Bunner said.
You may hear the entire skit by clicking here: Priestley Sunday March 9, 2014.
Priestley's actual birthdate was on March 13, 1733 (Old Style "Julian" Calendar, or on March 24 in the New Style Gregorian Calendar)
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