Some Great Speaking Events Spring 2026
I’m always thrilled to talk to readers about books, history, and writing and this past spring was no exception. Here’s a summary of events! Also, I would like to give a massive shoutout to my wife, Kate, and my sister-in-law, Pat Doyle, who provided inspirational and rock-solid support through the whole speaking season. Among their many contributions, Kate managed book sales at a number of events, and Pat took responsibility for photography! I could not ask for a better team! I offer them my profound thanks.
Thanks to Swansea (MA) for Inviting Me
I was honored to wrap up my spring speaking season in Swansea, MA with a discussion of my book, American Treasures: The Secret Effort to Save the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address. The event, my 748th appearance as an author, was part of Swansea’s 250th anniversary celebration. We had a wonderful discussion about our country’s precious documents, followed by a spirited question-and-answer session! Thanks to Community Engagement Librarian Carol Gafford for her work setting up the event, and to the Friends of the Library and the Martin House Farm for their sponsorship.
A Great Dark Tide Event at Wakefield (MA) Sons & Daughters of Italy!
I so enjoyed talking about my book, Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919, at an event sponsored by the Wakefield (MA) Sons & Daughters of Italy! We had a full house of more than 110 attendees who offered me a warm welcome and asked some amazing questions after my presentation. The evening included some wonderful homemade goodies and a raffle drawing of baskets that included copies of my books.
In the group shot below, I’m shown with the Massachusetts Sons & Daughters of Italy State Cultural Committee Book Club, which selected Dark Tide as its read in anticipation of the event. I’m also shown with Toni Encarnacao (left), President of the Lodge, and Debbie Tremblay, Vice President. My special thanks to Debbie, the organizing committee, and the Lodge for inviting me to this outstanding event!
Voyage of Mercy Discussion at 2026 Cashman Family Luncheon!
I was honored to do a presentation on my book, Voyage of Mercy (about the Great Irish famine of 1846-47 and the extraordinary American humanitarian response to it), at the 2026 Cashman Family History Luncheon that was held at Alba’s restaurant in Quincy, MA.
The event is hosted by Jay Cashman, founder and chairman of Jay Cashman Inc., a prominent Quincy-based construction and development company that does business across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Jay is also proud of his deep Irish roots, tracing his ancestry back to James Cashman, who emigrated from County Cork to Boston in 1850.
What a great event this was – a celebration of history, heritage, and legacy. I’m grateful to Jay and Cashman History genealogist Donna Bouley Goldstein for making me feel so welcome, and to Donna for working with me on arrangements for the event. I’m shown here with Donna and Jay, and the Cashman genealogical timeline shown in the photo was researched and created by Donna. Thanks to the Cashman family and the entire Cashman organization for a memorable event!
Nothing Like a Hometown Event at Weymouth (MA) Elder Services
It’s always fun to do a hometown event! Many thanks to the Weymouth (MA) Elder Services book club for choosing my book, Voyage of Mercy as its monthly read! My thanks to Book Club Coordinator Judi Henderson (shown in the photo holding a copy of the book) for the invitation, and for the club’s warm welcome which made for a fun afternoon!
