Richard Cheatham
Richard Cheatham | |
|---|---|
| Residence | Richmond, VA, United States |
| Alma mater | Virginia Military Institute |
| Known for | Natural Philosophy, Human Nature, History |
Richard A. "Dick" Cheatham is an American historian, professional speaker, writer, and former journalist based in Richmond, Virginia. He is the founder and director of Living History Associates, Ltd., through which he presents living-history portrayals of figures from American history. His work centers on the idea that, while circumstances and technology change over time, human nature remains constant, and that history therefore serves as a laboratory for understanding "why people do what they do."
Biography
Cheatham is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a degree in history and the liberal arts. Before turning to public speaking, he worked as a television and newspaper journalist. In the mid-1980s he founded Living History Associates, Ltd. in Richmond, Virginia, and has since delivered thousands of presentations across the United States and internationally to audiences ranging from corporate executives and government staff to families and students.
He describes himself as an independent scholar and educator. Cheatham has also worked in television and motion-picture projects as an actor, historical technical advisor, and consultant, and he has appeared on the BBC, PBS, the History Channel, the Learning Channel, Entertainment Tonight, and Voice of America. He identifies himself as a descendant of Pocahontas and John Rolfe.
Work
Cheatham's presentations combine historical scholarship with first-person character portrayals of prominent figures from American history, among them John Rolfe, Captain Meriwether Lewis, Richard Henry Lee, and President John Tyler. A recurring theme in his work is that unchanging human nature can be studied through the record of history, which he frames as a practical resource for contemporary decision-making, leadership, and problem solving. He has also written and lectured on citizen leadership, drawing lessons from historical figures for modern audiences.