Writing History

On Saturday morning, March 17th, I left my house at 7:40am, armed with ‘show and tell’ visual aids, seminar notes, and a bag of red/white/blue M&M’s.  Ligonier Valley Writers and Ft. Ligonier co-sponsored an all-day history writing event in their new educational center, and I have to say the new addition is beautiful!  Bright, clean, spacious, efficient, welcoming – perfect! The view was inspiring.

I was one of three presenters, including Audrey Iacone and Jim Busch.  Each of us presented a different aspect on including history in your fiction and non-fiction writing.  Audrey talked about research and presentation.  Jim talked about creativity, and I shared specific examples about Civil War and Mt. Vernon facts and research used in Letters to Mary (novel) and my Tazz mysteries (Mt. Vernon a/k/a Fathers and Dads).  It was fun to share information and not only provide new facts but also learn from the others.  Audrey worked at the Carnegie Library, and said that she was working the day that David Carlyon came in looking for facts on Dan Rice – for his book ‘Dan Rice, the Most Famous Man you Never Knew.’  I actually have a copy of the book!  That was pretty exciting for me! 

As it was St. Patrick’s day, several of us dressed the part, including our resident Leprechaun, Carolyn Holland. Fact:  I have NEVER see Carolyn without a hat on of some type!  After the presentations, Mary Ann took the presenters to lunch at a quaint little diner-type restaurant on main street.  It was nice to network together and unwind. 

Mary Manges, Education Director at the Museum, took the group on a tour of the newly renovated space.  I loved hearing about Washington, Bouquet, Forbes; Arthur St. Claire’s parlor, and the diorama — and Ron decided to try out one of the tents to see how it compared to his little Appalachian Trail tent!  Washington’s was much more roomy!

The museum opens in April to the public, and I want to go back and spend more time looking at the exhibits and exploring the outside areas as well.  It was a great day, and I was honored and blessed to be part of this great event.  I highly recommend a trip up to Ft. Ligonier as soon as you get the chance.  Of course, you won’t get the royal treatment (having Mary as a tour guide – she’s an endless source of knowledge and makes it come alive!), but you won’t be sorry.  I guarantee it!