Mary Jo Padgett

Public Relations-Freelance Writer-Editor-Proofreader-Guided Walks-Paris Programs

Call 828-545-3179 or Email Today!

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Mary Jo Padgett, Public Relations-Freelance Writer-Editor

 

I have years of experience as a writer, journalist, public relations consultant, editor, blogger, proofreader. Please click on the page that applies to what you need. I’ll be happy to help. For your business, magazine, book, website, or organization, I can assist you.

 

In addition, I can entertain and inform your group about life in Paris, France, where I lived for a year studying French, writing, working with students, and living the Parisian life.  I present these programs at community colleges, university enrichment, private showings, clubs, and organizations. For more info click on Programs About Paris.

 

My newest project is guided history walks — in my two favorite cities … in Hendersonville, N.C. and in Paris, France.

View Dates for 2023 Guided History Walks –  Hendersonville NC

Public Relations – Marketing

Hendersonville NC Public Relations - Press Release WriterI have years of experience helping organizations, businesses, and individuals put the best face forward through a public relations campaign that creates interest and income. See What I Have Done

Journalist / Freelance Writer

A 20-year veteran journalist, freelance writer, and blogger, I write articles on newsworthy topics –specializing in environment, travel, business, dance and the arts, artists, and more. Learn more.

Editor / Proofreader

If you need a document editor or proofreader, I can improve your writing through organization, correction, and condensation to convey your thoughts and focus your message. More…

English Language Coach

While living in Paris, I coached students of all ages in American English. I also edit and proofread documents and reports written in English by speakers of other languages. Get more details

2023 Guided Walks / Tours

Hendersonville NC Guided Walking Tours

History Walks in Paris, France, this May 2023.

I will be conducting history walks in Paris, France in May 2023 – specifically on the topic of The American Revolution in Paris.  Please see the description below – but dates and/or times may change … I will update from time to time. I am also available to schedule private tours described below for you and your group on days and times convenient to you in May. If you want to sign up for the walks in Paris or if you have questions, please be in touch.  Thanks for your interest in American Revolution History in Paris.  (Walks are conducted in English.)

A Walking Tour Through the American Revolution … in Paris

Americans are taught little in school about the “French connection” that helped make the American War of Independence a success. Yet there are statues, buildings, parks, and squares throughout Paris that reflect and confirm this Franco-American partnership and the significant intertwining of the two nations.

On three Thursdays and Saturdays in May, tour groups will discover the Paris traces of John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, General Rochambeau, the site of the signing of the Treaty of Paris ending the struggle of American colonists for independence from England — and much more.

This tour is in three parts … participants are encouraged to attend one, two, or all three parts. Each walk takes about 3 hours and each is limited to twelve people.  Cost is 10 euros per person per session, which are scheduled on the following days.  Meeting details will be provided.   

May 11 or 13 —  From Auteuil to the Champs-Elysees (learn about Benjamin Franklin, Rochambeau, Thomas Jefferson, de Grasse, etc.).

May 18 or 20 — From Concorde to Île de la Cité (visit locations where treaties signed, LaFayette interview with Marie Antoinette, hotels where early envoys stayed, etc.)

May 25 or 27 — Along the Left Bank (stops related to post-Revolution relations with France, America’’s growth and France’s move toward revolution, etc.)

Mary Jo Padgett is a journalist, teacher, public relations consultant, and independent historian who lives most of the year in North Carolina. She conducts these walks for the American Embassy in Paris periodically each year.

Guided History Walks – Hendersonville NC

Take your pick from the walks below. Each walk covers a different aspect of Hendersonville history, yet each one interweaves with the others. Come … enjoy … get a little exercise. Reservations are recommended. Do you have a family or group? Contact me to arrange a private tour.

Walk on Historic Main Street
10 a.m. — Fri., June 9; Sat., July 8; Sun., Sept. 10; Fri., Oct. 6
Be charmed and informed by Hendersonville’s history, architecture, and colorful stories. Learn how the town got its name, who donated the land, bordellos, the oldest block of buildings, amazing fires, trolley lines … and more.
Meeting Place: Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (corner of 5th Ave. E. and King St.)

In Historic Oakdale Cemetery
10 a.m. — Fri., June 16; Sat., July 15; Sun., Sept. 17; Fri., Oct 13
Join me along the pathways of Hendersonville’s Historic Oakdale Cemetery where the famous “Look Homeward Angel” statue is located. Among quiet, artistic grave markers discover Hendersonville’s past through lively stories of its Black, White, Jewish and colorful citizens.
Meet: at the Cemetery, U.S. 64 W. at Valley St.

7th Ave./Historic Train Depot District
10 a.m. — Fri., June 23; Sat., July 22; Sun., Sept. 24; Fri. Oct 20
This district was where it was happening in the Gilded Age of Hendersonville. The train depot brought steam engines, and attracted drays, hustle, summer visitors, shoot-outs, candy stores.
Meeting Place: Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (corner of 5th Ave. E. and King St.)

Murals, Mosaic, and Ghost Signs
10 a.m. — Fri., June 30; Sat., July 29; Sun., Oct. 1; Fri., Oct. 27
Learn the stories behind more than 6 murals, a mosaic with 250,000 pieces of glass, and numerous ghost signs still barely hiding in plain sight. All in downtown.
Meeting Place: in front of Historic Courthouse on Main Street

All tours: $10 per person
age 10 and over. Children under 10 yrs. free with paying adult.
All walks – 90-plus-minutes — occur rain or shine.
Schedule a private tour for your group any time by appt.

Info: 828-545-3179

www.maryjopadgett.com