Authors on Delmarva: New Book Talks Series Offered by Westside Historical Society

On April 8 the folks from Westside Historical Society will inaugurate a new Series for all book lovers out there. Called “Authors on Delmarva” each of five programs will feature a local author who lives on Delmarva and writes about some facet of life on Delmarva! All programs are open to the public, and will be presented at Laytons Chance Winery near Vienna, from 4 to7 pm on Friday afternoons! The Series is being chaired by WHS members Laura Layton and Kathy McIntyre.

The first program will feature Phillip Hesser, author of What a River Says: Exploring the Blackwater River and Refuge, a book not only about the history of this important part of Dorchester County, but a beautiful and provocative study of the important challenge to preserve and protect this natural environment. Hesser even brings to light the controversy over placement of a bridge across the Nanticoke River, beginning in the mid-1800s and involving the towns of Sharptown, Mardela Springs, and Vienna, as well as Blackwater!

Phillip Hesser, Ph.D., taught in the US and Africa and managed educational programs for international and non-profit organizations in Washington, DC. Now, he can be found teaching at Salisbury University and Wor-Wic Community College; lecturing about landscape, life and livelihood on Chesapeake Bay; progging
around the marshes with pups Marshall and Bayly; or working on Sitting in Limbo: Life and Livelihood on the Tumps of Chesapeake Bay.

All programs are FREE and light refreshments will be offered. Programs begin with a “meet-and-greet” the author, followed by the author’s talk and discussion with the audience, and ending with a chance to purchase a signed copy of the featured book.

Future programs will feature Phillip LeBel, author of A Brief Relation of the State of Delmarva on May 27, Joe Moore author of Murder on Maryland’s Eastern Shore on June 17, Anne Foley author of Hollands Island: Dorchester County’s ‘Lost Atlantis’ on September 9. A fifth program on Oct. 21 will be announced later.

What a great chance to “Wine, Unwind, and Share a Good Book!” Reservations are NOT required, but to get answers to questions, contact Westside Historical Society at westsidehistorical@gmail.com or phone 410-726-8047, or Laura Layton at the Winery at 410-228-1205.