Join us for a living history performance by accomplished performing artist/storyteller/historian Tammy Denease as she brings to life the “hidden history” of an important but little-known figure, Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly. Keckly, formerly enslaved, became a successful author, civil activist, and seamstress in Washington, D.C. She was best known as the personal modiste and confidante of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
Register for a reminder.
Writing Workshops with Dr. Melissa-Sue John
Register for one or both workshops, presented with funding support from the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts.
Workshop #1: Leading with Compelling Storytelling
Sunday, September 11, 3 – 4 PM
In this workshop, teens and adults will learn the importance of storytelling in general, and especially in business and leadership. In addition, they will be introduced to different ways of publishing their stories- traditional, self, or hybrid publishing.
Click here to register for Leading with Compelling Storytelling.
Workshop #2: Crafting your own story
Sunday, October 2, 3 – 4 PM
In this workshop, children and adults will learn about the elements of storytelling, the structure of a story, literary devices, different types of stories, and have the opportunity to craft their own stories.
Click here to register for Crafting your own story.
Dr. John is a wife, mother of two daughters, a published author, children’s book publisher, professor, researcher, and DEI expert. She is proud of her Jamaican heritage. After high school, she moved to the U.S. where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College, CUNY, and her master’s and a doctoral degree from the University of Connecticut, Storrs. Currently she is an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Joseph. She enjoys lecturing, conducting research, and mentoring students. These various roles led her to write children’s literature with her two daughters and she now serves as the Chief Executive Operator of Lauren Simone Publishing House. She is a member of the East Hartford Democratic Town Committee, East Hartford Women’s Democratic Committee, and a commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Connect with her on LinkedIn or META (Instagram/Facebook) @ laurensimonepubs to follow her journey.
The Raymond Library is located at 840 Main St., East Hartford. For a complete listing of library programs, visit our
online events calendar.