Priscilla Mason Hewetson

Priscilla Hewetson is a graduate of Capital University Conservatory of Music where she received a degree in music education and performance. She continued graduate studies at The Ohio State University in the field of American music history, American and Ohio history and performance.

She taught vocal music in public and private schools until 1970, at which time she devoted full efforts to the research, interpretation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth-century music, theater and dance. As a performer, she has had a rich and varied background from classical music performances to several seasons in summer stock with the Kenley Players, the Richard Johnston Choral Ensemble and the Dell Singers. She has been well known as a performer of traditional folksongs and ballads featuring Ohio repertory. She was one of the first performers with the Artist in the Schools Program (Greater Columbus Arts Council), Music in the Air Concerts (City Recreation and Parks) and Discovery at the Center (Ohio Arts Council).

Mrs. Hewetson is currently with the Ohio Historical Center where she serves as Interpretive Specialist in the Education Division. She is involved in numerous activities and programs utilizing the performing arts to interpret and teach history. She has created and produced many educational programs and presently teaches on interactive television to 28 states and Canada. Program subjects include the Civil War, Underground Railroad, Women’s Rights, Ohio Statehood and Early Ohio Life.

In 1974, Mrs. Hewetson founded and continues to direct the Ohio Village Singers, a period-costumed group of singers who interpret and perform American historical music featuring music of Ohio. The group has produced six recordings and has traveled throughout the state and also in Japan and Russia.

She has served on numerous boards. Currently she serves on the Alumni Advisory Board of Capital University and the board for the Topiary Garden at Old Deaf School Park.

Priscilla is an avid gardener. She frequently speaks to groups on Historic Garden Styles and Ornamental Heirloom Plants and supervises the Heritage Vegetable Garden at the Ohio Village. Her leisure hours are spent working in her own English-style garden.

Priscilla is married to Peter Hewetson. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

Personal note from Priscilla:

I owe the successes and good fortunes in my career to my years in the Bexley schools, especially at Bexley High School. The years there were full of many opportunities and devoted teachers who nourished us and encouraged us to develop
and utilize our talents. In particular, I owe great thanks and appreciation to music teachers C. Robert Myers and John Stanton who recognized my abilities and encouraged me to enter the field of music education and performing arts. They
taught me to always strive for the highest standards of excellence and to share my love of music with others.

 

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