Special education teacher Matthew Dodd was visiting Harpers Ferry National Historical Park with his family. Inside the White Hall Tavern building, he mused that it would be a great place for someone to dress in period clothing and sing old-time patriotic songs. And a career was born.

Flash forward 25 years later, Dodd has brought his one-man band act on the road for listeners of all ages. This time, he performed songs on banjo and guitar for area youths at the library and seniors at the Tamaqua adult day care center on Tuesday. Dodd does so in collaboration with the Tamaqua Remembers 150-year Memorial Day anniversary.

Dodd, of Mechanicsburg, has now been performing since 1993 and has expanded his repertoire to roughly 20 shows. He said his emphasis, no matter the crowd, is to combine storytelling and song to teach about the nation’s rich history.

“When I play shows like this (at the library), it can oftentimes be the first time kids are hearing live music. It is my duty when I do these shows to not only entertain, but show how we got here and the importance these songs have in our country,” Dodd said.

Dodd said his decades as a special-education teacher transitioned well to his music career.

At the children’s show at the Tamaqua Library, roughly a dozen kids learned of the history of several songs, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and “Yankee Doodle.” He also taught lessons of old American wars and forgotten flags, which weave a tapestry of our past.

But listeners get more than just song and dance from Dodd as he infuses his shows with characters, each of whom has his own accent and personalities.

“I’ve always been a song sponge,” Dodd said. “I’ve always been intrigued by the stories behind them and wanted to share that with others.”

Area parents also chimed in during the performances, often combining their voices with Dodd’s. They say programs like Dodd’s strike a chord with kids and bring history to life.

“I have a young one who loves American history,” Megan Herko said. “I think they like programs like these because we have a fascinating history, but (Dodd) brings it to life and gives it character.”

To Dodd, it is important to tell the stories and keep the dates in the background.

“These songs are timeless and tell a story for many years after they are written,” Dodd said. “When we look back, there are few dates that stick with the average person, but these songs and stories will always live on.”

He said it also strikes a chord with seniors because many of the performances are near and dear to them, and bring back memories of their youth.

“They grew up knowing these songs,” Dodd said. “It’s not uncommon that they’ll know all four verses, some of which are obscure, to patriotic and folk songs. They grew up knowing these songs and many have served our country. These programs are a way for me to show my appreciation to them and all those who served as well.”

He adds that it’s important to use the lessons history teach us and apply it to today’s situations.

“”And doesn’t it seem to be a pity … there always seem to be wars for Johnnies to march off to? … and a pity some Johnnies don’t come back?” Dodd said during a past performance of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”

Memorial Day events continue throughout Tamaqua, culminating in a fireworks show Saturday night, a firefighters’ service on Sunday and the Memorial Day Parade on Monday.