Tom Vecchio

A respected figure among Pennsylvania’s living historians, Tom is one of the most widely recognized Indian figures in local reenactments, festivals, and historical conferences. For the last ten years, Tom has been transporting his audiences back to the 18^th century and providing them with an inside look at the fascinating culture of the Eastern Woodland Indian. Using a first person presentation, Tom takes on the persona of a Shawnee war chief by the name of Welethetowaco (“Pretty Ears”), conveying authenticity in every detail of his dress and appearance. Tom approaches living history with a level of knowledge and integrity appreciated by a number of skilled frontier artists. He has made personal appearances with John Buxton and Robert Griffing and has served as a model for nine paintings: five by Griffing, two by Buxton, and two by artist Andy Knez. Tom also appeared in and served as consultant for the Palladin Production “George Washington’s First War.”

	A respected figure among Pennsylvania’s living historians, Tom is one of the most widely recognized Indian figures in local reenactments, festivals, and historical conferences. For the last ten years, Tom has been transporting his audiences back to the 18^th century and providing them with an inside look at the fascinating culture of the Eastern Woodland Indian. Using a first person presentation, Tom takes on the persona of a Shawnee war chief by the name of Welethetowaco (“Pretty Ears”), conveying authenticity in every detail of his dress and appearance. Tom approaches living history with a level of knowledge and integrity appreciated by a number of skilled frontier artists. He has made personal appearances with John Buxton and Robert Griffing and has served as a model for nine paintings: five by Griffing, two by Buxton, and two by artist Andy Knez. Tom also appeared in and served as consultant for the Palladin Production “George Washington’s First War.”
Since 1994, Tom has been actively involved with historical programming in Western Pennsylvania, working with Fort Pitt, Bushy Run, Fort Le Boeuf, the 42^nd Royal Highlanders, Soldiers and Sailors, Slippery Rock University, IUP, Hannahstown, the Beaver County History Historical Society, elder hostels, retirees’ functions, and boy scout and girl scout camporees. Tom was also a member of the planning committee for the recreation of George Washington’s visit to Logstown and is a current member of both the Edge Hill Historical Group and the Appalachian Longhunters.
Although Tom’s past presentations have included Indian battle tactic demonstrations, his major focus is introducing his audiences to the life of an Eastern Woodland Indian and enhancing their understanding of the culture clash between European settlers and Woodland Natives on the Western Pennsylvania frontier. Tom also approaches his presentations with two other objectives in mind: to promote cultural and racial tolerance and to teach students the importance of respect and responsibility. Preferring small groups, Tom chooses not to do large assemblies, but he is great with kids and has made very effective presentations at every educational level from third grade through college on the following topic:
~ An Inside Look at the Culture of the Eastern Woodland Indian
Contact Information Phone: 412-492-0317 E-Mail: tomvec@attbi.com