First Fridays | National Authors' Day Celebration

MORNING PROGRAM | 10:30 PM to 11:30 PM
The morning program is designed with young children in mind. Join us in the Jacobs Family Gallery for stories ready by:

• G Pa Rhymes - Author of the Cray Series
• Deborah Thompson - Author of Nova's Wish

AFTERNOON PROGRAM | 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM
The afternoon program kicks-off at 12:30 PM in our Cook Memorial Theater with a presentation by Dr. Naomi Slipp, Douglas and Cynthia Crocker Endowed Chair for the Chief Curator & Director of Museum Learning, followed by a series of talks from the following esteemed local authors:

• Terry Wolkowicz
• Elizabeth Bradfield
• Daniel Georgianna
• Robert Demanche
• Alfred Saulniers
• Kimberly Ward
• Pamela Lowell
• DeWolf Fulton

Beyond hearing from each author, guests will also be able to mix and mingle with each author, learn about their work, purchase or pre-order their book(s), and get their copies signed. This portion of the event is free with general Museum admission.

EVENING PROGRAM | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
As day turns to evening, our First Friday event begins with a special focus on poetry. Guests are invited to enjoy a lite bite, make their own story through our National Authors' Day Madlib, and experience live performances from several talented poets. Everett Hoagland, New Bedford's first poet laureate (1994-1998), will be among the featured poets, as well as:

In the Jacobs Family Gallery, Poets:

• Nick LeBlanc
• Maia Livramento
• Paul Cordeiro
• Brad Chase
• Kate Frazer Rego
• Phillip J. Mellen

In the Cook Memorial Theater, Authors and Writers' Workshop

• Joe Thomas
• Kerrin Willis
• Julie O'Boy
• Ralph Hickok
• Leslie Lawrence
• Holly Fitzgerald