February 9, 2010- Orange Beach, AL - The Orange Beach Public Library has joined public libraries throughout Alabama this month in a state-wide effort to read and discuss Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 5:30pm, river historian Dan Back will present an illustrated history and discussion of “Samuel Clemens' Mississippi Steamboat Career”. Mr. Back has been presenting river history programs for 20 years, including presentations aboard the riverboats River Explorer, American Queen and Mississippi Queen.
The role of rivers in the development of our nation and the river influences in Samuel Clemens’ childhood are among topics in this presentation. Mr. Back developed the “Life on the Ohio” river history museum in Vevay, Indiana and is a freelance consultant to other museums and historical societies. He is a resident of Indiana and lives with his wife alongside the Ohio River.
This is event is free and open to the public. For more information on the Orange Beach Public Library, visit www.orangebeachlibrary.org
*Programming in conjunction with The Big Read: Alabama Reads, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.
