Joe Imel/Daily NewsRachael Rainwater, of Tn., dressed as the Statue of Liberty, speaks to a group Thursday at Eastwood Baptist Church. Rainwater travels the country spreading the history of the statue and Ellis Island.

The Statue of Liberty walked into the fellowship hall of Eastwood Baptist Church on Thursday and introduced herself.

“My name is Lady Liberty,” she said. “I have come here to Bowling Green all the way from my home, which is a place called New York City.”

Dressed as the Statue of Liberty – seafoam green from head to toe – Rachael Rainwater was giving her Lady Liberty Live presentation to the Primetime senior adult group at its monthly luncheon. Talking in first person as the statue, Rainwater tells the story of the historic monument from the beginning to current day, sharing interesting and unusual facts.

“My full name is Liberty Enlightening the World,” she began, then told of how large Liberty is in person. “I’m one of the tallest statues in the world.”

Rainwater went on to tell about the artist who created the statue, how she came to America and other details about Lady Liberty.

Rainwater, of Mufreesboro, Tenn., has been bringing Lady Liberty to life for about four years now, traveling to schools, churches, civic organizations and events and teaching people about one of our nation’s most recognizable symbols.

“I always enjoyed performing,” Rainwater said, “and I just loved history.”

When Rainwater visited the real Statue of Liberty several years ago, “we had no idea that this was in my future,” she said. She may return to Liberty Island as Lady Liberty later this year for the 125th anniversary of the dedication of statue.

Rainwater said she decided she had to combine her love of performing and American history one day while driving to work.

“I just felt like God spoke to me,” she said, and she began thinking of what she could do. She wanted to personify a famous American icon and eventually chose Lady Liberty.

Rainwater has been to several states and will be going on a nationwide tour with the company Liberty’s Legacy to promote educational products centered around the Statue of Liberty.

Those who saw Rainwater on Thursday seemed to enjoy the presentation.

“It was just great to hear the history,” said Nancy Foster of Bowling Green. “And she just plays the part perfectly.”

Sue Weaver of Bowling Green said Rainwater was wonderful.

“She shared lots of information that I hadn’t known about,” Weaver said.

“It was very informative,” said Pat Tapscott of Bowling Green. “I learned a lot I didn’t know. And her outfit was just great. It looked very much like the statue.”

Lacey Swack, 9, and Taylor Enlow, 9, both of Bowling Green, also got to see the presentation and were impressed.

“It was pretty cool,” Taylor said.

“I learned that she got taken apart then put back together,” Lacey said.

“I liked her face,” Taylor added.

Greg Swack, associate pastor of senior adults at Eastwood, said he had seen Rainwater give her presentation and thought it would be fun to have her come to one of their monthly luncheons.

“With the Fourth of July, we thought it would be a great event this month,” Swack said.

Rainwater said she loves traveling around teaching people about part of our nation’s history. She often has her husband, Chris, and her 1-year-old daughter, Francesca, with her. While some younger children may be startled by Rainwater in her Lady Liberty makeup and garb, Francesca just looked up at her mother with no surprise or concern.

“When she sees a picture of the Statue of Liberty, she says ‘Mama,’ ” Rainwater said.

— To learn more about Lady Liberty Live, visit www.ladylibertylive.com.