Rocky J. Squirrel Presents
GEMS+H:
The Stories That Bind Us
Speaking: Connecting Ideas, Inspiring Audiences
Rocky J. Squirrel: Public Speaker
The Stories That Bind Us
Featured Public Speaker for the 2nd Masonic District, Grand Lodge of Ohio
From history and Freemasonry to education, genealogy, and philately, Rocky connects stories from the past to lessons that matter today.
What Can Rocky Speak About?
Freemasonry & Its History
The people, traditions, symbols, organizations, and history of Freemasonry—and the lessons they can offer today.
Featured Masonic Presentations
The Life of Dr. Joseph Warren
The story of a physician, patriot, Mason, and Revolutionary War figure whose life connects Freemasonry, the American Revolution, and the story of a family legacy.
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The Seed of a Nation: How a Roxbury Apple Shaped Ohio
Trace the interconnected web of Masonic brotherhood that linked Dr. Joseph Warren, General Israel Putnam, Paul Revere, and Grand Master Rufus Putnam. This presentation reveals how shared Masonic values and personal bonds carried a Revolutionary legacy—and a family orchard—from Massachusetts straight into the heart of early Ohio Freemasonry.
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The First 48
Discover the story of the 48 settlers who founded Marietta, Ohio, and the surprising Masonic connections among them—including the man who would become Ohio's first Grand Master. This presentation explores how Freemasonry was woven into the early history of one of Ohio's earliest settlements.
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Israel Ludlow Puts Hamilton on the Map
Discover the Mason behind the founding of Hamilton and explore how one man's story connects Freemasonry, local history, and the development of a community.
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Trains, Tracks & the Brotherhood That Built Them
Explore the unexpected connections between railroads and Freemasonry through the people, organizations, and brotherhoods that helped build America's railroad history.
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Masonic Philately
Discover how stamps and postal history can open the door to the people, events, organizations, and stories of Freemasonry.
The American Revolution and Freemasonry
Explore the relationship between Freemasonry and the American Revolution, following the people and events that connected the fraternity with America's struggle for independence.
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How Masonry Guided Our Brother Harry S. Truman
Look beyond the presidency to discover how Freemasonry influenced the life, values, and leadership of one of America's most recognizable presidents.
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Why Should I Join the Knights of St. Andrews?
An exploration of the Knights of St. Andrew, its purpose within Scottish Rite Masonry, and the opportunities it provides for service, fellowship, and involvement.
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The L.E.O.'s Secret Weapon: The Clipboard That Teaches
A look at Masonic education from an educator's perspective, exploring practical ways Lodge Education Officers can turn education into something engaging, meaningful, and memorable.
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Can a Mason Also Be a Stamp Collector? A Journey Through Masonic Philately
Follow Rocky's own journey into Masonic philately and discover how a fascination with stamps became another way to explore the people and stories of Freemasonry.
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The Bee Line March
Follow the story of the Bee Line March and discover the connections between the American Revolution, the people who experienced it, and the Masonic history surrounding their story.
American History
Stories of the people and events that shaped America, with an emphasis on the connections often hidden behind familiar names and dates.
Featured American History Presentations
The Life of Dr. Joseph Warren
Discover the remarkable life of a physician, patriot, Mason, and Revolutionary War figure whose story connects the American Revolution, Freemasonry, and a family legacy.
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From Orchard to Empire: The Journey of the Roxbury Russet
Discover how an 18th-century farm tragedy on Dr. Joseph Warren’s estate sparked an unexpected agricultural journey across the frontier. Learn how grafted scions traveled down the Ohio River via pioneer nurseries, gave rise to the iconic Rome Beauty, and clashed with the wild seedling philosophy of Johnny Appleseed.
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The Bee Line March
Follow the story of the Bee Line March and explore the people, places, and events surrounding one of the lesser-known stories of the American Revolution.
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The American Revolution and Freemasonry
Explore the relationship between Freemasonry and the American Revolution, following the people and events that connected the fraternity with America's struggle for independence.
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Duty Calls: The Newly Formed American Navy
Explore the challenges facing America's newly formed Navy and the people whose sense of duty helped shape the nation's early military history.
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The First 48
Discover the story of the 48 settlers who founded Marietta, Ohio, and the surprising Masonic connections among them—including the man who would become Ohio's first Grand Master.
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Israel Ludlow Puts Hamilton on the Map
Discover the Mason behind the founding of Hamilton and explore how one man's story connects Freemasonry, local history, and the development of an Ohio community.
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How Masonry Guided Our Brother Harry S. Truman
Look beyond the presidency to discover how Freemasonry influenced the life, values, and leadership of one of America's most recognizable presidents.
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Four Chaplains: A Legacy of Faith, Sacrifice, and Brotherhood
Explore the story of four military chaplains whose actions during World War II became a lasting example of courage, service, and brotherhood.
Railroads & Transportation
Railroad history, the people who built it, the communities it connected, and the stories found along the tracks.
Featured Railroad & Transportation Presentations
Trains, Tracks & the Brotherhood That Built Them
Explore the unexpected connections between railroads and Freemasonry through the people, organizations, and brotherhoods that helped build America's railroad history.
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From Tracks to Temples: Building a Masonic Journey through the Passion of Philately
Follow the journey from railroads and transportation to Masonic history and philately, discovering the unexpected connections found along the way.
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To Train One Up
Explore the meaning behind the phrase "to train one up" and the broader connections between railroads, people, learning, and the journeys we take.
Philately & Masonic Philately
Using stamps and postal history as gateways into larger stories about people, places, organizations, and historical events.
Featured Philately Presentations
Masonic Stamp Collecting Opens Doors
Discover how stamps can open the door to Freemasonry, history, and the stories that connect them all.
Freemasonry: More Than Meets the Eye
Explore Freemasonry through its history, symbols, famous members, contributions, and influence on the world around us.
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Masonic Covers: Reflections of Life & The Warren Legacy
Historical covers and First Day cancels are more than paper—they are windows into the lives that built a nation. Using rare postal artifacts, this presentation demonstrates how philately preserves forgotten stories, tracing Dr. Joseph Warren's memory from early Masonic monuments on Breed's Hill to modern commemorative cancels in Warren County, Ohio.
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Masonic Philately
Discover how stamps and postal history can open the door to the people, events, organizations, and stories of Freemasonry.
Can a Mason Also Be a Stamp Collector? A Journey Through Masonic Philately
Follow Rocky's own journey into Masonic philately and discover how a fascination with stamps became another way to explore the people and stories of Freemasonry.
A Freemason's Flourish in Forging Freedom's Path from Britain, as Told Through Philately
Explore the American Revolution and the development of Freemasonry through the stories preserved on stamps and postal history.
One Mason's Connection to Freemasonry and the American Revolution
Discover how one Mason's journey became the foundation for a philatelic exploration of the relationship between Freemasonry and America's struggle for independence.
From Tracks to Temples: Building a Masonic Journey through the Passion of Philately
Explore how stamp collecting can become more than a hobby—becoming a pathway into history, Freemasonry, research, and personal discovery.
Education & Learning
Presentations about teaching, learning, educational technology, storytelling, and experiences from the classroom.
Featured Education & Learning Presentations
Journey of a Pioneer: A Journey West
Explore an AI-enhanced gamification project that transforms The Journey of a Pioneer into an interactive learning experience combining history, literacy, technology, and storytelling.
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The L.E.O.'s Secret Weapon: The Clipboard That Teaches
A look at Masonic education from an educator's perspective, exploring practical ways Lodge Education Officers can turn education into something engaging, meaningful, and memorable.
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A Day in the Life of a Teacher
Step inside the classroom for a look at the unexpected challenges, rewards, humor, and lessons that come with being a teacher.
I Planned a Perfect Lesson… Then the Kids Showed Up
A humorous and honest look at the difference between the lesson we plan and the lesson our students actually teach us.
Background History on Singapore Math
Explore the development and background of Singapore Math and the ideas behind an approach that has influenced mathematics instruction around the world.
Taking the World by Storm: Singapore Math's Rise and Fall in American Schools
Examine the rise of Singapore Math in American education and the questions surrounding its adoption and implementation in U.S. schools.
Applying Phil Schlechty's Principles to Improve Science Instruction
Explore practical applications of Phil Schlechty's educational principles and their potential impact on student engagement and instruction.
Teacher Moves and Strategies That Work
A collaborative exploration of instructional strategies designed to improve teaching and student learning
Genealogy & Personal History
Discovering the people behind the names—and connecting individual family stories to the larger history around them.
Featured Genealogy & Personal History Presentations
The Life of Dr. Joseph Warren
Explore the life of Dr. Joseph Warren while following the family and historical connections that helped turn a Revolutionary War figure into a personal story of discovery.
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One Mason's Connection to Freemasonry and the American Revolution
Follow a personal journey of research and discovery as one Mason's story becomes a window into the people and events surrounding the American Revolution.
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The Individual Known as Rocky
Discover the story behind the name "Rocky" and the experiences, people, and influences that helped shape the person behind the speaker.
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The Stories That Bind Us
Explore the connections between our personal stories and the larger histories we inherit, preserve, and pass on to others.
Beyond the Stadium Lights: How a Local Legend and a Loving Mom Won Me Best Table Topics
A personal story demonstrating how seemingly ordinary people and moments can become meaningful parts of our own history.
Creating a Masonic Journey and Legacy
Explore how our experiences, relationships, service, and stories become part of the legacy we leave behind.
Storytelling, Leadership & Personal Growth
Stories, experiences, and lessons that explore leadership, perseverance, personal growth, and the connections that help shape who we become.
Featured Storytelling & Leadership Presentations
The Stories That Bind Us
Explore how stories connect people, experiences, and generations—and why the stories we tell matter.
Speaking My Way from Fearful Lamb to Roaring Lion: A Toastmaster's Journey
Follow Rocky's personal journey from fear of public speaking toward confidence, purpose, and finding his voice.
When No One Believes in You
A personal story about perseverance, self-belief, and continuing forward when others doubt what you can accomplish.
I Was Ready to Quit—Then This Happened
A personal story about unexpected encouragement and the moments that can change the direction of a journey.
Leading from the Front, Walking Beside, and Lifting Up
Explore three approaches to leadership and the importance of knowing when to lead, when to walk alongside others, and when to lift someone else up.
Building Brotherhood Together Brick by Brick
Explore how organizations are strengthened through learning, participation, relationships, and a shared commitment to something larger than ourselves.
Why Are You Here?
A reflective presentation exploring purpose, participation, and the reasons we choose to become part of something bigger than ourselves.
A Journey of Speaking
Speaking has become another way I explore the connections at the heart of GEMS+H. Some presentations began with a question about history. Others grew from my work in Freemasonry, genealogy, education, or philately. Still others began as Toastmasters speeches designed to challenge me as a speaker. Together, they show the evolution of my speaking journey—from educational presentations in Texas more than two decades ago to the historical, Masonic, educational, and storytelling presentations I give today.
Cincinnati SAR Knowledge Exchange
In May 2024, I presented “Freemasonry's Ties to the Beginning of the American Revolution around Boston” as part of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution's Knowledge Exchange.
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The presentation brought together two subjects that have become central to my speaking: the history of Freemasonry and the people and events surrounding the American Revolution.
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The Cincinnati SAR documented the presentation as part of its Knowledge Exchange program.
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Featured Podcasts
Hear Rocky discuss the research, stories, and connections behind his work through recorded interviews with the Ohio Lodge of Research.
For those interested in following that journey, the complete list of my presentations, speeches, workshops, educational programs, and speaking engagements is provided below.
Featured Public Speaker for the 2nd Masonic District, Grand Lodge of Ohio, May 2025 to Present, To watch the video click:
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2026
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The Seed of a Nation: How a Roxbury Apple Shaped Ohio, Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, September 2026.
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Masonic Stamp Collecting Opens Doors, Hamilton High Twelve Club #414, Fairfield, OH, August 2026
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Where Do Our Words Go?, Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, August 2026.
The Stories That Bind Us, Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, July 2026.
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Beyond the Stadium Lights: How a Local Legend and a Loving Mom Won Me Best Table Topics, Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, July 2026
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Journey of a Pioneer: A Journey West, A Gamification Project, EDTL 6310 (---), Bowling Green State University, June 2026
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Trains, Tracks, and the Brotherhood that Built Them, Ohio Lodge of Research hosted by Arts and Sciences Lodge #792 meeting at Avery Masonic Lodge, Hilliard, OH, May 2026
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Poop, Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, April 2026
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A Day in the Life of a Teacher, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, January 2026
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2025
Masonic Model Student Assistance Program, Eastern Star Lodge #55, Franklin, OH, December 2025
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Trains, Tracks & The Brotherhood that Built Them (Revised), Eastern Star Lodge #55, Franklin, OH, December 2025
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I Planned a Perfect Lesson… Then the Kids Showed Up, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, December 2025
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The L.E.O.'s Secret Weapon: The Clipboard That Teaches, 2nd Masonic District of Ohio's Annual Lodge Education Officer Training, Hamilton, OH, December 2025
​The Life of Dr. Joseph Warren, Sons of the American Revolution, Mason Middle School, November 2025
Trains, Tracks & The Brotherhood that Built Them, Buckeye Corridor #810, High-Twelve, West Chester, OH, November 2025
Why Should I Join the Knights of St. Andrews? Valley of Dayton Scottish Rite, November 2025
When No One Believes In You, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, November 2025
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Update on Being Legendary--Did we Build our Brotherhood Brick by Brick this Past Year????, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, November 2025
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The Bee Line March, Herman H. Lawrence Council No. 82, Allied Masonic Degrees, Middletown, OH, October 2025
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The Bee Line March, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, October 2025
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Leading from the Front, Walking Beside, and Lifting Up, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, Ohio, October 2025
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A Wrinkle in Time: Timing Is Everything, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, September 2025
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The Day My Clock Almost Stopped, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Indiana Wesleyan University, West Chester, Ohio, September 2025
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Set Sail with Masonry: Life Lesson's from Kipling's Captains Courageous, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, September 2025
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Review of Masonic Movie Night (The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling) and Washington's 5th Annual Summer of Fellowship and Education, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, August 2025
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8 Seconds, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Indiana Wesleyan University, West Chester, August 2025
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I was Ready to Quit--Then This Happened, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH August 2025
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Can a Mason Also Be a Stamp Collector? A Journey through Masonic Philately, Herman H. Lawrence Council No. 82, Allied Masonic Degrees, Middletown, OH, July 2025
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Four Chaplains: A Legacy of Faith, Sacrifice, and Brotherhood, Table Lodge, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, June 2025
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Hot Diggity-Dog, Table Topics Winner, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, June 2025
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A Celebration of Dr. Joseph Warren’s Life, Hamilton High Twelve Club #414, Fairfield, OH, June 2025
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How Do We Use the Trowel? Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, June 2025
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Masonic Memorial Night: In Solemn Remembrance, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, June 2025
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Dr. Joseph Warren Remembered: Who Was He, Really? Washington Lodge #17 and Washington Chapter of Eastern Star #195, and Millenium Rainbow Girls, and Hamilton DeMolay, Hamilton, OH, June 2025
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On Track: What's Next? Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH June 2025
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Let Us Honor Dr. Joseph Warren, Knights of St. Andrew, Valley of Dayton Scottish Rite, Fairborn, OH, June 2025
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The Upcoming Dr. Joseph Warren Cachet, George Washington Masonic Stamp Club, Virtual Meeting, Alexandria, VA, June 2025
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Celebrating the Life of Dr. Joseph Warren, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, May 2025
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What is a Hat? Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, May 2025
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Masonic Philately, Dayton High Twelve Club #69, Dayton, OH, May 2025
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Celebrating the life of our Bro. Past Grand Master, Dr. Joseph Warren, Ohio Lodge of Research, Reynoldsburg, OH, May 2025
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Who are the Knights of St Andrew? New Candidates for the Valley of Dayton, Scottish Rite, Dayton, OH, April 2025
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The State of the Lodge: Are We in Harmony? Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, April 2025
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Ashes, Ashes We All Rise Up, 2nd Place, Annual District Speech Competition, Toastmasters District, Fairfield, OH, March 2025
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Why are You Here?, 2nd Place, Annual Speech Competition, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, January 2025
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Rhetoric: Talk, Talk & More Talk, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, January 2025
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A Brief Overview of Freemason's Flourish in Forging Freedom's Path from Britain, as told through Philately, Working Lunch Group, Ohio Lodge of Research, Reynoldsburg, OH, January 2025
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Speaking my Way from Fearful Lamb to Roaring Lion: A Toastmaster's Journey, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, January 2025
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What Difference Does It Make? Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, January 2025
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2024
Book Discussion: Chapter 2 of Joseph Fort Newton's Book The Builders, Virtual, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, December 2024
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The Feast of St. John the Evangelist, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, December 2024
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The Plan: Awarding Excellence--Failure or Success--Success or Failure, part 2, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, Mid Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, December 2024
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Growing as a Mason, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, December 2024
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What is a Mason?, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, December 2024
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The Plan: Awarding Excellence, part 1, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, November 2025
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Giving and Receiving Instruction, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, November 2024
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Book Discussion: Chapter 2 of Joseph Fort Newton's Book The Builders, Virtual, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, November 2024
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Duty Calls, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, November 2024
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Building Brotherhood Together Brick by Brick through Excellence: Learning More, Doing More, Achieving More, and Having More Fun, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, November 2024
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Duty Calls--The Newly Formed American Navy, Young Marines of Northern Kentucky, Sons of the American Revolution, Kentucky, November 2024
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Stop Throwing Bricks, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, Indiana Wesleyan University, West Chester, OH, October 2024
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The American Revolution and Freemasonry, Education Day, Hamilton Chapter of DeMolay, Hamilton, OH, October 2024
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The Class Toast, Royal Scofield Society, Induction Ceremony for the 2024 Class, RSS Grand Lodge of Ohio, Dayton, OH, October 2024
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The Wolcott Foundation, Awareness Month for the Wolcott Foundation, Hamilton High Twelve Club #414, Hamilton, OH, October 2024
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Dream Big, Speak Boldly: Define Your Brand, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, West Chester, OH, September 2024
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The American Revolution and Freemasonry, Table Lodge, Oxford Lodge # , Oxford, OH, September 2024
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What Does the Wolcott Foundation Do? Hamilton, High Twelve Club #414, Hamilton, OH, September 2024
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How Masonry Guided Our Brother Harry S. Truman, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, September 2024
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Carl Claudy's book: Introduction to Freemasonry vol. 1--Entered Apprentice, part 5, Hamilton's 3-5-7 Square and Compasses Craftsman Club, Hamilton, OH, August 2024
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The Buck Stops Here! Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Indiana Wesleyan University, West Chester, OH, August 2024
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Freemason’s Flourish in Forging Freedom’s Path from Britain, as told through Philately, AIRPEX 2024, Dayton Stamp Club, Stamp Exhibit Displayed, IBEW Hall, Dayton, OH, August 2024
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Carl Claudy's book: Introduction to Freemasonry vol. 1--Entered Apprentice, part 4, Hamilton's 3-5-7 Square and Compasses Craftsman Club, Hamilton, OH, August 2024
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​The I in Ohio, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, August 2024
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Carl Claudy's book: Introduction to Freemasonry vol. 1--Entered Apprentice, part 3, Hamilton's 3-5-7 Square and Compasses Craftsman Club, Hamilton, OH, August 2024
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Building Brotherhood Together Brick by Brick--Striving for Excellence through Learning More, Doing More, Achieving More, & Having More Fun, Presumed Officers and their Significant Others, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH
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Carl Claudy's book: Introduction to Freemasonry vol. 1--Entered Apprentice, part 2, Hamilton's 3-5-7 Square and Compasses Craftsman Club, Hamilton, OH, July 2024
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Breaking the Chains: A Burger Boiler or Conqueror, A Flop or Flourish, A Bum or Champion, Toastmasters #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, July 2024
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Carl Claudy's book: Introduction to Freemasonry vol. 1--Entered Apprentice, part 1, Hamilton's 3-5-7 Square and Compasses Craftsman Club, Hamilton, OH, July 2024
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Building Brotherhood Together Brick by Brick--Striving for Excellence through Learning More, Doing More, Achieving More, & Having More Fun, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, July 2024
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​Soldiers, Statesman, and Surveyors, Table Lodge, Millenium Lodge #779, Dayton, OH, June 2024
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Masonic Philately, Dayton Stamp Club, Christ United Methodist Church, Kettering, OH, June 2024
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The Mentorship Equation: LOVEE & Growth, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, Indiana Wesleyan University, June 2024
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Masonic Memorials and the Three Stalwarts of Our Lodge, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, June 2024
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The American Revolution and Freemasonry: The Events leading up to the American Revolution through Evacuation Day in Boston, High Twelve Dayton Club #69, Dayton, OH, June 2024
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Frog Tails, Football Feasts & Other Stories Reveal How to Connect to Your Audience, Tri-County Toastmasters Club #870, Mid-Pointe Library, West Chester, OH, May 2024
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From Tracks to Temples: Building a Masonic Journey through the Passion of Philately, Ohio Lodge of Research, Reynoldsburg, OH, May 2024
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Looking Back and Looking Forward--What Our Masonic Stamp Club Has and Will Accomplish, George Washington Masonic Stamp Club, Alexandria, VA, February 2024
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Leslie's Retreat, Monroe Elementary School 4th Graders, Sons of the American Revolution, Monroe, OH, February 2024
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2023
He Said, She Said, I Said, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, West Chester, OH, December 2023
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To Train one Up, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, West Chester, OH, September 2023
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​One Mason's Connection to Freemasonry and the American Revolution, Stamp Exhibit Displayed, MedTalks, Ohio Lodge of Research, Hamilton, OH, September 2023
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One Mason's Connection between the American Revolution and Freemasonry, AIRPEX 2023, Dayton Stamp Club, Stamp Exhibit Displayed, IBEW Hall, Dayton, OH, August 2023
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The Blazing Surveyor of Ohio, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, West Chester, OH, August 2023
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The Individual Known as Rocky, Tri-County Toastmasters #870, West Chester, OH, August 2023
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Freemasonry and the American Revolution, Table Lodge, Millenium Lodge #779, Dayton, OH, June 2023
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Freemasonry and the American Revolution, 2nd Masonic District Officer's Association Education Meeting, High Point Lodge, Monroe, OH, April 2023
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Revitalizing the George Washington Masonic Stamp Club, George Washington Masonic Stamp Club, Alexandria, VA, February 2023
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2022
Creating a Masonic Journey and Legacy, Royal Scofield Society, Washington Lodge #17, Hamilton, OH, April 2022
Before GEMS+H, there was the classroom. 2002–2008 — Educational Presentations in Texas
​Background History on Singapore Math, Sam Rayburn Elementary School, Grand Prairie ISD (TX), November 2008
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Applying Phil Schlechty's Principles to Improve Science Instruction, Seguin Elementary School, Grand Prairie ISD (TX), October 2006
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Taking the World by Storm: Singapore Math’s Rise and Fall in American Schools, ​6th Annual College of Education’s Educational Research Exchange, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, Feb. 2006
Hats Off to Math, Place Value Strand, Math-A-Rama, Dallas, TX, Summer 2005
Geometry in a Geo-World, Conference for the Advancement of Math Teachers, Dallas, TX, Summer 2005
Math in the Midst of Medieval Times, Conference for the Advancement of Math Teachers, Dallas, TX, Summer 2005
Jamie Escalante’s Stand and Deliver: Alternative Mathematics Techniques, Conference for the Advancement of Math Teachers, Dallas, TX, Summer 2005
Making a Difference Next Year: Calendar, Earrings for Boys, and District Dress Code, Amber Terrace Intermediate, DeSoto ISD (TX), May 2005
Teacher Moves and Strategies that Work, Conference Call--1 of 4 panelist speakers, Quantum Learning, California, April 2005
Survey on School Climate, Amber Terrace Intermediate, DeSoto ISD, March 2005
Don’t Have a Cow: Using the Dell Cart Easily, Staff Development Technology Day, Amber Terrace Intermediate, DeSoto ISD (TX), February 2005
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Creation of Clubs to Foster Positive Campus Environment and Reduce Discipline Referrals, DeSoto Independent School District Safety & Discipline Committee, DeSoto ISD (TX), Spring 2005
Developing an Intervention Plan for At-Risk Students, Math Department, Amber Terrace Intermediate School, DeSoto ISD (TX), January 2005
Math Strategies and Problem Solving, Student Achievement Night, Amber Terrace Intermediate School, DeSoto ISD (TX), January 2005
Scope & Sequence for Special Education Teachers in the NCLB World, Special Education Department, DeSoto Independent School District (TX), Fall 2004
Using Prime Factorization to Reduce Fractions, Math Department, Amber Terrace Intermediate School, DeSoto ISD (TX), October 2004
Analyzing Mini-Benchmarks and Assessments, Math Department, Amber Terrace Intermediate School, DeSoto ISD (TX), September 2004
Chess Improves Student’s Math Abilities, Parent Teacher Association, Amber Terrace Intermediate School, DeSoto ISD (TX), August 2004
Olympiads, a Rigorous Math Program, Parent Teacher Association, Amber Terrace Intermediate School, DeSoto ISD (TX), August 2004
An Overview of the New Math TAKS—The Tick-Tack-Toes of Math TAKS, Cockrell Hill Elementary, DeSoto ISD (TX), Spring 2003
Talking TAKS, 3rd & 4th Grade Parent Night, Cockrell Hill Elementary, DeSoto ISD (TX), Spring 2003
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Math District Problem Solving and Using Non-Standard Math Problems, Back to School Staff Development (K-6 grade teachers), DeSoto Independent School District (TX), August 2002
Complete Speaking History
From Classroom to Conference Room
My speaking journey began with educational presentations and professional development in Texas more than twenty years ago.
Over time, speaking expanded beyond education. History, Freemasonry, railroads, genealogy, philately, and personal storytelling became additional ways to explore the questions that have always driven my curiosity.
Toastmasters gave me another place to develop that craft—learning to tell a story, engage an audience, use humor, refine a message, and become more comfortable behind the lectern.
Today, those experiences come together through Rocky J. Squirrel Presents GEMS+H—The Stories That Bind Us.
Bring a GEMS+H Story to Your Organization
Looking for a presentation that goes beyond dates, facts, and familiar stories?
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Rocky J. Squirrel brings history, Freemasonry, genealogy, education, philately, and personal storytelling together to create presentations tailored to the audience and occasion.
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Inspiring Stories Together
Bringing Lessons to Life
Talks
Engaging Audiences
My talks connect historical narratives with contemporary lessons, igniting inspiration in audiences of all ages. I strive to make history relatable, encouraging attendees to appreciate their own stories and how they intertwine with the larger tapestry of our shared human experience.
Workshops
Interactive Learning
Through interactive workshops, participants engage deeply with historical themes and personal stories. My aim is to create a space where curiosity thrives, and meaningful discussions lead to personal reflection and growth, fostering a sense of community among participants.
Exhibits
Historic Insights
I present thematic exhibits that blend history with art, showcasing stories that may otherwise be forgotten. My exhibit, 'Freemasons in the Crucible of Revolution: My Family’s Story,' provides a unique lens through which to view pivotal events and their lasting impacts.
Explore GEMS+H
The stories don't stop here. Explore the other parts of GEMS+H and discover more of the people, history, education, and connections that bring these stories together.
