Art Yeaman: Biography Eco-Heritage Guide, Consultant, Performing Artist/Storyteller, Educator Art grew up in the dairy farm area of Northeast Ohio, where he learned the value of working the land, and a duty of community service. He entered the U.S. Marine, serving our nation for 22 years. He's a graduate of First Coast Technical Institute -Agri-Science program, a former University Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences staff member and a Florida Master Naturalist.He has more than 25 years of public speaking experience and is a nationally recognized Storyteller.
He started making public appearance as a U.S. Marine recruiter presenting military history to high school students in 1982 and later making training presentations for servicemembers. Retiring from active duty in 1995, he turned his interests to a study of the natural world, local history and America's colonial days. 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. He is most noted throughout Northeast Florida, and nationally, as Ben Franklin. Performing in colonial attire, Art portrays Doctor Franklin (1706-1790) and has since developed the personas of Statesman Henry Clay (1777-1852) and Naturalist William Bartram (1739-1823).Heperforms at schools, churches, libraries, museums, festivals, businesses, civic groups and events. Some of his recent and or regular tasks/consultations are: Daily history writing for Gifts of History, In depth research into the development of the U.S. Constitution, National Speakers Association- Central Florida Chapter Academy, Collaborating with the Gateway Girl Scouts and the Colonial Dames, Story donations for the International Storytelling Center, Arbor Day and Earth Day presentation, Guide for the annual "Leadership Clay" tour and more. Art is annual performer for: the President George H. Bush (41) Storytellers Guild at the Presidential Museum and Library, College Station, Texas; for Youth Leadership Foundation and numerous other businesses, groups and schools. Some of his memberships include; The Florida and National Trust for Historical Preservation, National Speakers Association: Central Florida Chapter and the National Storytelling Network.Art is a former member of the Clay County Historical Commission.He has a working relationship with the Florida Historical Preservation and Cultural Affairs division of the Department of State. Art your KEY to living History. He has developed a professional speaking/storytelling career, making more than 1400 appearances since 1995 and has spoken to more than a million 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.
