Three years ago, when Sarahjane Williams was tasked to come up with an idea for the Lower Macungie Historical Society to celebrate America250, she thought of probably the most exciting historical event to take place in our area during the earliest days of the republic ... The John Fries Rebellion which occurred between 1798-1799.

Williams thought of the usual things like; an exhibition, lectures, or written material.

But she really wanted to put together something with impact, something that would bring this story to life in a vibrant and meaningful way for everyone who watched it, especially children learning about their local history.

Once it was decided they would produce a docudrama film, Williams went straight to work writing the screenplay.

“When we started this, I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. This was about 60 hours a week worth of work for about 3 years.”

The project in total cost about $200,000 which was raised by Williams and the Lower Macungie Historical Society.

Of the grants received, one was from Lehigh County, one from Northampton County, and one from the New York area.

“Other than those three grants, the rest were private donations.” Dan Hertzog, the director of the film told her, “If this film was shot in California, this would have been a million dollar film. With a lot of that cost coming from location fees. So we’re so grateful for the support we got from the community for lending us their locations to shoot the film.”

Attention to detail and an obsession with historical accuracy were an integral part of this film.

Williams even went as far as growing dandelion in her home in February so the Easter scene could feature women cutting dandelion for their Easter meal.

Consequently, a film crew member accidentally stepped on the dandelion in the lawn.

All was well and the dandelion made it into the film still looking good.

William’s hard work and vision have paid off, the 32-minute film, is a ‘recognized project’ for upcoming America250PA celebrations and has received 14 (mostly international) film festival awards and is an ‘official selection’ in the upcoming Allentown Film Festival.

The film is told through the eyes of a modern schoolgirl.

Audiences will learn about the Fries Rebellion while traveling along to well known locations in our region still in existence today including, the Red Lion Inn (formerly Enoch Robert’s Tavern- Quakertown), Jamison Publick House (formerly Conrad Mark’s Tavern- Geryville), Hendrixson’s furniture store (formerly John Shymer’s Tavern - Shimersville), Buckeye Tavern (formerly Henry Shankweiler’s Tavern - Macungie), 1760 House (formerly Peter Trexler’s Tavern - Trexlertown), Commix Hotel (formerly Martin Ritter’s Tavern - Allentown), and the 1758 Sun Inn (Bethlehem).

Teachers looking to teach local history can find resources on the Lower Macungie Historical Society website, www.LMThistory.org.

The film will be screened at the Weisenberg Historical Society in New Tripoli 7 p.m. May 2 and then again 7 p.m. May 28 at the Whitehall Historical Society in Whitehall.

Admission is free of charge but donations are suggested.