Bestselling author Tony Horwitz discusses his latest book “A Voyage Long and Strange: On the trail of Vikings, conquistadors, lost colonists and other adventurers in early America.”
Monday April 27th 2009 7:30PM at Howland Hall, 1912 Main Road, Westport Point
Tony Horwitz’s latest book A Voyage Long and Strange is a rich mix of scholarship and modern-day adventure that brings the forgotten first chapter of America’s history vividly to life. What happened in North America between Columbus’ sail in 1492 and the Pilgrims’ arrival in 1620? On a visit to Plymouth Rock, Tony Horwitz realizes he doesn’t have a clue, and nor do most Americans. So he sets off across the continent to rediscover the wild era when Europeans first roamed the New World in quest of gold, glory, converts, and eternal youth. Horwitz tells the story of these brave and often crazed explorers while retracing their steps on his own epic trek—an odyssey that takes him inside an Indian sweat lodge in sub-arctic Canada, down the Mississippi in a canoe, on a road trip fueled by buffalo meat, and into sixty pounds of armor as a conquistador re-enactor in Florida.
Tony Horwitz is the author of Blue Latitudes, Confederates in the Attic, and Baghdad without a Map. He is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has worked for The Wall Street Journal. Books will be available for purchase. A portion of sales will be donated to Westport Historical Society. Program presented by Westport Historical Society and Partners Village Store. Please contact Westport Historical Society at 508 636 6011 or westhist@gis.net for reservations.
Saturday April 18th 2009
2 PM – 4 PM at the Bell School
25 Drift Road, Westport
This program explores the ways in which quilts are a part of American culture and folklore. Using images of antique quilts, Ms. Jerome will discuss some of the definitions and ideas surrounding the word “quilt.” The audience is encouraged to bring one quilt or quilted object with them for discussion, identification and tips on care of family heirlooms. Susan Jerome is the Collections Manager at the University of Rhode Island Historic Textile and Costume Collection. Please note that this program will last about 2 hours.
All are welcome. Admission is free. Refreshments will be provided. Please call 508-636-6011 for reservations so that we can plan accordingly.