Alabama Authors Day

Description

On February 20th Historic Blakeley State Park invites all those interested in the literary arts to join us at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center for our annual Alabama Authors Day. 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 journalist Ben Raines to discuss his acclaimed new book on the finding of the slave ship Clotilda, Alabama Folklife Association director Emily Blejwas presenting about her unique book on Alabama culture as revealed through its food traditions; travel writer Joe Cuhaj discussing his guides to discovering Alabama’s natural and cultural heritage; historian David Smithweck with his new book on the USS Tecumseh which was sunk by an underwater mine during the Battle of Mobile Bay; librarian and author Paula Webb to present her new book about legendary Mobile socialite Octavia LeVert; and writer in residence at the University of South Alabama Frye Gaillard and his co-author, educator Marti S. Rosner, to talk about their book on the remarkable life of the first African American from Alabama to serve in Congress. During the day, Blakeley’s Delta Explorer will venture into the wild and scenic lower Delta for two, one and a half hour, cruises showcasing this amazing natural habitat. Admission to lectures and booksignings is FREE Author presentation schedule: 12:00-12:30 Ben Raines 12:30-1:00 David Smithweck 1:00-1:30 Paula Webb 1:30-2:00 Joe Cuhaj 2:00-2:30 Frye Gaillard 2:30-3:00 Emily Blejwas Cruise times: 12:45 and 2:45 PM; $25 for adults/$15 for kids ages 6-12.