I believe I hold the record
for "Buss(es)" from Lafayette(s)!
Michael Halbert Ben Goldman Mark Schneider
(Photo courtesy of the American Friends of Lafayette.)
Above are three gentlemen who specialize in portraying General Lafayette, who did so much for America, at historical sites and events.
I have not only MET all three, but over the last decade or so I have asked for and received a buss (a kiss on the cheek) from each of them.
This all happened because I wrote a novel for Middle Graders/Young Adults set during the general's triumphant visit to America in 1824-5. Entitled A Buss from Lafayette, this story imagines what might have happened when Lafayette came to the small New Hampshire town where I live. (Which he actually did.)
Here are some pictures to prove my claim:
1. First I met Mark Schneider, who portrays Lafayette (among other historical figures) at Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown. I encountered him the first time I attended an annual gathering of the American Friends of Lafayette in 2015. I showed him my book cover and asked for a kiss. Mark was kind enough to give me one!
Mark Schneider Dorothea Jensen
2. Next came Ben Goldman, who portrayed Lafayette in a Massachusetts event at which I spoke in 2018.
Dorothea Jensen Ben Goldman
3. I collected another buss from Ben-as-Lafayette the next day at Sturbridge Village. (It is a "living history" museum in Massachusetts showing life in America during the early 19th century.) This was at a re-enactment of the general's 1824 visit there, for which I wrote the script.
Dorothea Jensen Ben Goldman
4. Finally, Michael Halbert-as-Lafayette arrived in New Hampshire in June, 2025. He came to help bring the 1825 visit by the general to life in the three towns (including my own) for which I planned and ran the festivities. At the final stop, I asked him for a buss as well!
Michael Halbert Dorothea Jensen
So there is proof positive that I have been bussed by all three Lafayettes! (Quite a unique honor.)
Cheers,
Dorothea
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