User:ArtYeaman

Eco-Heritage Consultant/Guide, Performing Artist/Storyteller, Historian/Educator
Art is a retired U.S. Marine and a graduate of First Coast Technical Institute’s Agri-Science program, a former University Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences staff member and a certified Florida Master Naturalist. He has more than 25 years of public speaking experience and is a nationally recognized Storyteller.

He started to make public appearance as a U.S. Marine recruiter presenting military history programs to high school students in 1982. When he retired from active duty in 1995, he turned his interests to a study of the natural word, to include local and American history. He has developed a variety of programs, (Educational and Entertaining) in reference to Environmental Landscaping for Northeast Florida. He is a tour guide for Green Cove Springs (GCS) and Clay County, Florida. However, he is most noted throughout Northeast Florida as [Ben Franklin], in colonial attire, Art portrays Doctor Franklin, has since developed the personas of Statesman Henry Clay (1777-1852) and Naturalist William Bartram (1739-1823). He performs at schools, libraries, museums, festivals, business/organizational events throughout Florida and the Southeastern U.S.

Some of his recent tasks and consultation are: Researching the GCS Electrics, Developing St. Johns River Tour for the GCS area, Participation in Clay County’s Sesquicentennial, Guide for American River Cruise Lines, Presenter for Youth Leadership Foundation, Guide for the annual Leadership Clay tour, Student Storytellers at Charles E. Bennett Elementary School, Nomination of Augusta Savage to the Florida Artist Hall of Fame, and the T.R, Marie Auditorium cultural facility grant rollover.

Some of his memberships include; The Florida and National Trust for Historical Preservation, Clay County Historical Society, Friends of Franklin, Storyteller.net, Green Cove Springs Merchants Association, Marine Corps League: General Roy S. Geiger Detachment, Orange Park Writers Club. Art is a former member of the Clay County Historical Commission. He has working relationship with the Florida Historical Preservation and Cultural Affairs division of the Department of State.

Art is the DEEEEA (Director of Environmental, Enlightenment, Entertainment and Educational Affairs) for AYD. He has developed a professional speaking/storytelling career, making more than 1200 appearances since 1995 and has spoken to more than 750,000 people. Art believes that the natural world is the best classroom and that history is not to be a just a book on a shelf…     It is to be alive! His bride's name is Jenny (married in 1977). Jenny and Art have two grown children and three grandchildren. They reside in Green Cove Springs, Clay County, Florida.

04/08

AYD Art Yeaman, Diversified 151 S. West St. Green Cove Springs,     FL   32043 Phone 904-529-8653 Fax  904-529-8661 e-mail:    [art@artyeaman.com] [www.ArtYeaman.com]  or   [www.MeetBenFranklin.com]