Overview

This scholar is fully booked through 2023. This scholar will be available in 2024 for booking.
You may also book them outside of any Illinois Humanities affiliation using the contact information provided in the “Book This Road Scholar” section below.

For many years John Goldsmith served as a radio personality. Currently, he serves as a volunteer curator for the DeMoulin Museum, which he founded in 2010. He’s very passionate about sharing the story of the DeMoulin Brothers. Being a Road Scholar allows him the opportunity to pack up his gear and share his brand of edutainment to communities throughout Illinois.

John briefly describes himself and his program…

Presentation 1

Three Frenchmen & A Goat: The DeMoulin Bros. Story

John Goldsmith presents the story of three enterprising young men who founded a fraternal supply company in 1892 that today is one of the biggest manufacturers of marching band uniforms. It’s an entertaining tale of trick chairs, strength testers, graduation caps and gowns, and band uniforms.

Program Topics

  • Illinois
  • History
  • Industry

Program Logistics

This forty minute presentation has audience engagement embedded throughout the program. Equipment is flexible.



Back to the 2023 – 2024 Road Scholar Roster

About the Road Scholar

John Goldsmith
John Goldsmith

Were you ever in marching band?

Did you sing in a church choir prior to 1982?

Did you ever ride a goat in a fraternal lodge?

Whether you answered yes or no, John Goldsmith can explain how those three questions are related. The founder and curator of the DeMoulin Museum in Greenville, Illinois (rated Major Fun by Roadside America), Goldsmith has a trunk of gadgets that will amuse and possibly astound you.

Learn More and Follow John

Back to the 2023 – 2024 Road Scholar Roster

Book this Road Scholar

Follow the steps below to book a presentation.

Step 1
Contact John to schedule a date and time via email at duke36prod@gmail.com or phone at (618) 322-2936.

Step 2
Once you and John have agreed upon a date and time, complete the Road Scholars Host Organization application.

Back to the 2023 – 2024 Road Scholar Roster