In celebration of International Women’s Day, authors Sherril Foster, Julie Fowler and Claire Festel will read from their new books and discuss the challenges and rewards of uncovering B.C. and Yukon women’s history.
Festel did not set out to write a book, but provide an oral element to the Yukon Women: 50 Over 50 art exhibit.
The book arose from the curiosity of these women to know more about each other, a genuine collaborative effort and Festel’s belief in the importance of sharing these stories.
Foster was delighted by the accolades and thanks she received from relatives of Mary Spencer, the pioneer photographer she wrote about.
One man commented, “That handsome man on the cover is my grandfather! It’s the first picture of him most of my family has seen!”
Fowler’s search began with a date to a funeral with her now husband, Paul Crawford, curator of the Penticton Art Gallery.
The importance of these stories has not gone unnoticed; the books have received a hefty amount of media attention, including interviews on CBC’s North by Northwest and a feature article in The Province, among many other newspapers and magazines.
Everyone is invited to attend this event to learn about uncovering the past. The readings and talk will be followed by questions from the audience, and book signings.
The reading will be held Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in the Penticton Public Library Reading Room, 785 Main St., Penticton.