Article Submitted by Jessica Levin
Jaime Gialloreto joins Grover Cleveland’s Grandson and Great-Grandson in Historical Reenactment
Caldwell, NJ — The Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association and The Montclair Orchestra are pleased to announce that Miss New Jersey, Jaime Gialloreto will assume the role of First Lady Frances Cleveland at her husband’s inaugural ball at the Women’s Club of Upper Montclair on Saturday, November 10th, 2018. Adorned in a 19th Century ballgown, Miss Gialloreto will represent the grandeur and splendor of the 1893 inauguration of the Nation’s 22nd and 24th President.
“I am excited for the ball because it is giving me an opportunity to step into some of not only New Jersey’s history, but the history of this country as well,” noted the reigning Miss New Jersey. Playing the part of the President himself will be George Cleveland, Grover’s grandson who bears a striking resemblance to the historical figure who was born in Caldwell, NJ in 1837.A history buff himself, Cleveland had the honor of playing his grandfather during the reenactment of his wedding to Frances. “The key to a bright future is learning from the past. The Grover Cleveland Birthplace is the only repository for information and memorabilia specific to my grandfather. It provides a physical, tactile learning experience that you can’t get on the internet. Supporting its existence and growth through an interactive and experiential fundraiser that evokes the emotions of the time period makes perfect sense. I love that I have the opportunity to be a part of teaching history to others and can contribute to the ongoing education that the Birthplace provides.” Joining George will be his nephew and Grover Cleveland’s great-grandson US Ambassador Thomas Robertson IV playing Vice President Adlai Stevenson. Other celebrity participants include Masters of Ceremonies John Elliott of CBS Morning News along with former White House pastry chef to five presidents, Chef Roland Mesnier. Mesnier’s appearance will include a book signing, the sharing of humorous stories about his life and time in our nation’s presidential residence. Elliott’s wife, Mary Ellen will also be part of the festivities assuming the role of Mrs. Adlai Stevenson. Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower will also be in attendance at the historic fundraiser to benefit The Grover Cleveland Birthplace and the Montclair Orchestra. The evening will feature the actual Inauguration of President Cleveland. The guests will take part in an enchanting and historical evening complete with a musical interlude by the Montclair Orchestra under the direction of Maestro David Chan. It will include dinner and dancing and a live auction conducted by Chef Roland Mesnier. An exhibition of historic memorabilia from the Grover Cleveland Birthplace will be on display highlighting various elements of the President’s early life. The evening’s menu has been carefully selected to reflect culinary trends reminiscent of the time Cleveland was in office.
Relive the romance of the late 19th Century and support the Grover Cleveland Birthplace and The Montclair Orchestra and the education they provide. Purchase tickets for $300 per person or $500 for Patrons who receive a copy of Chef Mesnier’s book and preferred ballroom seating. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and all proceeds benefit the Grover Cleveland Birthplace and The Montclair Orchestra. To purchase tickets or for more information, Click Here For more information contact 973-226-0001.
About the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association
The Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association (GCBMA) is a conservancy and advocacy group dedicated to preserving the home and legacy of President Cleveland, the only U.S. President born in New Jersey. Through volunteer-based initiatives, our goal is to increase awareness and support of the Grover Cleveland birthplace and its heritage. The GCBMA activities include fundraising in support of educational programs and lectures, interpretation and preservation of the birthplace and its collection of historic objects, and history-themed social activities which engage the public. Working in partnership with the State of New Jersey, we look forward to implementation of our plan to build a Visitor Center on site, providing state of the art space for educational and programming activities, as well as to display historically significant artifacts and exhibitions related to Grover Cleveland and his Presidency.
About The Montclair Orchestra
The Montclair Orchestra is a unique training orchestra that offers fellowship playing positions to students from some of the most recognizable music schools in the world, including The Juilliard School, Cali School of Music, Mannes School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and Mason-Gross School for the Arts. Playing alongside the student fellows are professional ‘mentors’, including some of the world’s best orchestral musicians. Players from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St Luke’s, and other NYC-area orchestras play alongside the student fellows for an unforgettable experience for both musicians and audience. Leading the orchestra in its second season is Music Director David Chan, the concertmaster for the prestigious Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.