On Saturday, February 17th Historic Blakeley State Park invites all those interested in the literary arts to join us for our annual “Alabama Authors Day.” A once-a-year event, this special celebration showcases the work of accomplished writers throughout the state, with an emphasis on Gulf Coast authors and those who explore topics associated with regional history and natural heritage. This year’s lineup includes Dr. Matthew Downs of the University of Mobile (Transforming the South: Federal Development of the Tennessee Valley); Glenn Wills, independent historian and photographer from the Birmingham area, (Forgotten Alabama); Sharon D. Marsh, author and local historian (The First Florida Union Cavalry Volunteers in the Civil War: The Men and Regimental History); and Gary Mullen, Professor Emeritus of Entymology at Auburn University (editor of Phillip Henry Gosse’s antebellum-era Letters from Alabama). For more information on the authors and the focus of their acclaimed books, please visit the events page on Blakeley’s website, www.blakeleypark.com. Author presentations and booksignings begin at 11:00 AM. Prior to this program, we will take another one of our unique “Civil War on the Eastern Shore” cruises. This 90-minute exploration of the sites on land and water where the battles for Mobile played out in 1865 is scheduled for 9:00-10:30 AM so that passengers can attend the author presentations. Tickets are only $27 for adults/$17 for kids ages 6-12.