American Village Performers Bring the Nation’s Road to Independence to Life
RCB President Jeff Stone and Past President Gordon Martin with Alan Miller
This week, historical interpreters from the American Village Citizenship Trust joined the Rotary Club of Birmingham (RCB) at The Club for the final meeting of the 2025-26 Rotary year. Historical interpreters presented the opening scene of The Road to Independence, a new immersive experience created in partnership with America 250 Alabama as part of the nation's 250th birthday celebration. Alan Miller, President and CEO of the American Village Citizenship Trust, introduced the performance and shared how American Village uses interactive educational programs to strengthen citizenship, constitutional self-government, and civic leadership.
The performance transported members and guests to Boston in 1776, where British martial law, rising tensions, and the growing push for independence. Attendees were immersed in the story of the patriots who fought for freedom leading up to the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, The Road to Independence challenged attendees to consider what they would have been willing to risk in the fight for American independence. Performers encouraged attendees to visit American Village to experience the entire story through living history interpretation.
Rotarians, community singers and performers surprised President Jeff Stone with a rousing performance of “America the Beautiful” at the conclusion of the program in celebration of his leadership and the nation’s Semiquincentennial.
Historical interpreters from the American Village Citizenship Trust
About American Village and Alan Miller
The American Village Citizenship Trust in Montevallo, Alabama, serves the Nation as an educational institution whose mission is to strengthen and renew the foundations of American liberty and constitutional self-government by engaging and inspiring citizens and leaders, with a special emphasis on programs for young people. Alan Miller, President and CEO of the American Village Citizenship Trust, leads the institution’s work to strengthen citizenship, constitutional self-government, and civic leadership. A retired Marine Corps Reserve Colonel and former prosecutor, he brings a deep commitment to public service, American history, and the responsibilities of citizenship.