Greenwich Historical Society’s Local Spotlight Book Talks kicks off this season with four local authors who will share creative inspirations and insights on their works. Their diverse genres span the earliest days of Greenwich when Elizabeth Winthrop and other Puritan women arrived at the turbulent wilderness; a legal thriller set in Greenwich involving an embezzlement scheme; the iconic Merritt Parkway and how it shaped the region into one of the wealthiest in the country, and an enchanting children’s picture book.
“Our goal with the Museum Store’s Spotlight Book Talk series is to forge strong and meaningful connections between these talented local authors and the community,” says Museum Store Manager Barbara Johann. “We are so fortunate to have such a rich pool of talented authors eager to share their experiences and insights in an informal discussion.”
Lectures are held at Greenwich Historical Society from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Books are available for purchase and signing by the authors. Reservations are required. Light refreshments are served.
Insubordinate Spirit: A True Story of Life and Loss in Earliest America
March 19: Missy Wolfe
In recognition of Women’s History Month, historian and author Missy Wolfe will transport us back to the earliest days of Greenwich in an utterly unfamiliar and fascinating manner. Often referred to as “the non-fiction Winthrop Woman,” the book is a unique exploration into the life of Elizabeth Winthrop and other 17th century Puritans who emigrated to the rough, untouched wilderness of present-day New England, demonstrating tremendous strength and resolve. Wolfe’s book won the Washington Irving Medal for Literary Excellence.
For more information and to register: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/insubordinate-spirit/
The Final Account
April 9: Jeff Cooper
Greenwich attorney and law professor Jeff Cooper draws upon 30 years in the legal profession in this tale of a lawyer who catches his senior partner embezzling funds from a millionaire’s estate, leading to a far larger conspiracy involving some of Connecticut’s most powerful figures. The sequel to Cooper’s best-selling After the Fact, the novel won the Independent Press Award and praise from the Midwest Book Review which said the book “will delight seasoned thriller audiences…the events ring with an authenticity and attraction that makes the book nearly impossible to put down.”
For more information and to register: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/the-final-account/
Merritt Parkway: The Road that Shaped a Region
April 30: Laurie Heiss
From its complicated beginnings to the present, Laurie Hess will navigate the hard-fought yet picturesque path of this iconic highway that stretches 37 ½ miles through Connecticut, transforming Fairfield County into one of the wealthiest in the nation. Hess will introduce the builders, landscapers, politicians and activists whose dedication paved its way, and to preservationists Peter Malkin and Dee Winokur, Greenwich residents whose passion and commitment ensure it remains functional and beautiful.
The talk is in conjunction with the Historical Society’s upcoming Rediscover Greenwich / Re-Framing 95 art installation which will focus on the impact of the Connecticut Turnpike on the visual landscape of Greenwich.
For more information and to register: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/merritt-parkway-the-road-that-shaped-a-region/
Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings
May 14: Catherine T. Horn
Retired Greenwich Public School teacher Catherine Horn invites young readers to journey through the changing seasons of New England in her timeless tome for bedtime reading. Horn will share her creative inspirations and a behind the scenes look at the obstacles and triumphs on the path to publication, 35 years after writing the poem which inspired the book. From navigating the complexities of self-publishing to collaborating with her illustrator and design team across the globe, her story is one of resilience, creativity and determination. Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings is capturing the hearts of children and their families everywhere.
For more information and to register: Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings | Greenwich Historical Society
Greenwich Historical Society is located at 47 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob, Conn. For hours, directions and more information: https://greenwichhistory.org/
