The Unlocked Path An Examination and Celebration of Family History with Author Janis Daly
WHEN : Thursday October 26
TIME : 7:00—8:00 PM
How the secrets of our past can surprise, delight, educate, and inspire the writing of a novel. Author Janis Robinson Daly will be joining us in-person and will discuss how she researched and wrote the book!
Meet a “New Woman” of the early 20th century: educated, career-minded, independent Eliza Pearson Edwards. In 1897 Philadelphia, after witnessing her aunt's suicide, Eliza rejects her mother’s wishes for a society debut, and enters medical college. With the support of a circle of women and determined to conquer curriculum demands, battle sexism, and overcome doubts, Eliza charts a new life course.
No Registration required.

"Welcome to the Graveyard" with the Gravestone Girls
WHEN : Thursday November 9
TIME : 7:00-8:00PM
“Welcome to the Graveyard!” is a 90 minute illustrated ‘virtual tour’ chronicling cemetery art, history and symbolism. From colonial New England burial grounds of the 16 & 1700s, through the nation-wide rural cemetery movement of the 19th century and into 21st century locations, the program examines why we have cemeteries and gravestones, why they look like they do and how styles and art have evolved over almost 400 years. The presentation is robust with photographs of original gravestones and burial grounds from cemeteries visited by Gravestone Girls over many years.
No Registration required.

Virtual - Q & A with Historical Fiction Author Denny S. Bryce
WHEN : Tuesday October 10
TIME : 7:00—8:00 PM
We are celebrating a book birthday! Denny's new book, "The Other Princess: A Novel of Queen Victoria’s Goddaughter" is coming out on October 3rd and we cannot wait to chat about it! Bring your own cake and ice cream (candles optional :) for what is going to be a fascinating Q&A with one of our very favorite authors!
A stunning portrait of an African princess raised in Queen Victoria’s court and adapting to life in Victorian England— Based on the real life of Queen Victoria’s Black goddaughter, Sarah Forbes Bonetta’s story is a sweeping saga of an African princess in Victorian England and West Africa, as she searches for a home, family, love, and identity.
With a brilliant mind and a fierce will to survive, Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a kidnapped African princess, is rescued from enslavement at seven years old and presented to Queen Victoria as a “gift.” To the Queen, the girl is an exotic trophy to be trotted out for the entertainment of the royal court and to showcase Victoria’s magnanimity. Sarah charms most of the people she meets, even those who would cast her aside. Her keen intelligence and her aptitude for languages and musical composition helps Sarah navigate the Victorian era as an outsider given insider privileges.
From West Africa to Windsor Castle to Sierra Leone, to St. James’s Palace, and the Lagos Colony, Sarah juggles the power and pitfalls of a royal upbringing as she battles racism and systematic oppression on her way to living a life worthy of a Yoruba princess.
Please register for this event https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4016903053609/WN_x03Adf4NTLiZi8DxDbCWRA#/registration. You'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and in partnership with a multitude of MA Libraries.  

Virtual - Q & A with Mystery Writer Andrea Penrose . Author of Murder at Merton Library
WHEN : Thursday October 12
TIME : 7:00-8:00PM
We are so excited to be in conversation with Andrea Penrose! Her newest book, "Murder at Merton Library" is right up our alley. A Regency-era mystery set in a library - Yes, Please! Join us for what is going to be a fun and fascinating discussion.
Responding to an urgent plea from a troubled family friend, the Earl of Wrexford journeys to Oxford only to find the reclusive university librarian has been murdered and a rare manuscript has gone missing. The only clue is that someone overheard an argument in which Wrexford’s name was mentioned. At the same time, Charlotte—working under her pen name, A. J. Quill—must determine whether a laboratory fire was arson and if it’s connected to the race between competing consortiums to build a new type of ship—one that can cross the ocean powered by steam rather than sails—with the potential to revolutionize military power and world commerce. That the race involves new innovations in finance and entrepreneurship only adds to the high stakes—especially as their good friend Kit Sheffield may be an investor in one of the competitors.
As they delve deeper into the baffling clues, Wrexford and Charlotte begin to realize that things are not what they seem. An evil conspiracy is lurking in the shadows and threatens all they hold dear—unless they can tie the loose threads together before it’s too late . . .
Andrea Penrose is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the acclaimed Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Andrea Pickens and Cara Elliott.
Please register for this event https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2816903053965/WN_Y9zFVuzRToS4HCj5B0EZ0g#/registration
You'll receive the link in the confirmation and reminder emails - make sure to check your spam folder for them, the email will be coming from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and in partnership with a multitude of MA Libraries.