Historical Society to celebrate Lorain writers

The Lorain Historical Society will celebrate local authors April 17-19 at the Carnegie Center, 329 W. 10th St. in Lorain.

The events will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and will showcase the works of current authors residing in the International City.

• April 17 — David Miraldi will present his first book published in 2017 titled “The Edge of Innocence: The Trial of Casper Bennett.” The book tells the story of the 1964 murder trial of Casper Bennett, a man accused of drowning his wife in a bathtub of scalding water at their home in Lorain.

Miraldi will talk about his motivation for writing the book and his research and writing process. A book signing will take place after the talk.

• April 18 — “Bound Together: One Great Bundle of Humanity,” by Kelly BoyerSagert. In the play, she tells the story of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper – poet, abolitionist, essayist, public speaker, journalist, suffragist and published fiction writer. This “extraordinary person of color” was born in 1925 in the United States while much of her race was enslaved. Frances lived a part of her life here in Ohio.

Portrayed by Debra Rose (Frances) and Judy MacKeigan (Hannah) and directed by Dave MacKeigan, this thought provoking performance is open to the public. Admission is $5 per person.

• April 19 — Everyone is welcome to participate in Literary Lorain’s Open Mic Night. Bring poetry or short prose that you’ve written, or read someone else’s work that you admire, or just attend an evening of creative fun. Robert Moore will emcee the event.

• April 20 — The week’s celebration culminates with a presentation by Pulitzer Prize finalist Bruce Weigl. Born and raised in Lorain, Weigl will share his insights around the questions of why so many writers come from Lorain and what inspires and nourishes their creativity.

Weigl attended Lorain County Community College and obtained his bachelor of arts degree at Oberlin College, his master’s of arts at the University of New Hampshire, and his Ph.D from the University of Utah. He taught at Penn State University for many years before becoming LCCC’s first distinguished professor. Weigl has earned many honors and awards for his writing and for his poetry, receiving more than one Pulitzer nomination.

Admission is $5 per person.