The event featured a panel discussion with three individuals who have studied Mrs. Leary’s life. Mrs. Alexis Tobias-Jacavone, Historian for the Edenton Historical Commission, began by recounting historical facts from the life and times of Josephine, based on both the writings of Mrs. Dorothy Spruill Redford (former site manager of Somerset Place and public historian from Creswell), and her own studies of Mrs. Leary’s writings and personal papers. Mr. Robert Quinn, creator of the Edenton Museum Trail, then shared the process of “rediscovering” Mrs. Leary while creating Edenton’s Museum Trail. Ms. Kianna Alexander, author of the newly released historical novel “Carolina Built”, based on Josephine Leary, then discussed her creative process for writing the book.
An author book signing followed the panel discussion.
This event was free and open to the public. Follow the link to view the recording on the Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library’s YouTube channel: “Josephine Napoleon Leary: A Life of Accomplishments”.
*Image of Mrs. Leary is from the “Josephine Napoleon Leary Papers, 1873-1988” Collection at Duke University.
The attached document was distributed during the event.