A Few Wonderful Winter Appearances to Discuss The Great Abolitionist
Hingham, MA
It was cold and snowy outside, but I felt the warm welcome from the 45 or so audience members who braved the elements to attend my presentation on The Great Abolitionist at the Hingham (MA) Cemetery’s “Dead of the Winter Cultural Series” (I love the name!). The event took place at the cemetery’s beautifully renovated Ames Chapel, which includes the gorgeous stained glass window that you see in the photos. I’m shown in the group photo with (from left): Kathy Detwiler, owner of Buttonwood Books and Toys, who handled book sales for the evening; Libby King, cemetery board member, event organizer, and head of the series; Larry Lindner, former board member and former chair of the Dead of the Winter committee; Stephen Jiranek, president of the Board of Directors; and board member Steve Hines. It was the dead of winter, but thanks to Hingham for a lively discussion!
Union Club, Boston, MA
With the downtown Boston skyline as a backdrop, I was honored to speak about The Great Abolitionist at the prestigious Union Club’s annual Lincoln Birthday Dinner, where approximately 80 attendees enjoyed an evening of history and good conversation. The Union Club was established in 1863 by prominent Bostonians who expressed full-throated support for the Union cause during the Civil War – U.S. Senator Charles Sumner, the subject of The Great Abolitionist, was among its members! I’m shown here with Maureen Marcucci, Chair of the club’s Civil War Committee, and one of the key organizers of the event. Thanks to my wife Kate for handling book sales, and my sister-in-law, Pat Doyle, for the photos – and of course, to the Union Club for inviting me to this fantastic evening!
Boston Public Library
It’s always a treat and an honor to speak at the historic and beautiful Boston Public Library, and this winter was no exception! My thanks to the more than 50 enthusiastic attendees who turned out on a blustery evening; to the entire library staff, especially Reference Librarian Diane Parks, who organized the event; and to Trident Books, which handled book sales.I particularly liked the questions from the crowd, and was grateful for the many people who came through the signing line after to say they truly enjoyed the presentation. I’ve spoken at the BPL numerous times. It’s a very special experience to appear at one of America’s preeminent libraries.
Sudbury, MA
I enjoyed a Sunday afternoon in Sudbury, MA, speaking about The Great Abolitionist at the Goodnow Library’s Winter Cultural Series, sponsored by the library’s Friends group. We had a freewheeling discussion during the Q&A session after my presentation! I’m shown here with Claudia Brandon, a member of the Friends, who helped organize the event and was my main contact throughout the planning. Thanks to Sudbury and the Goodnow Friends group!
