Shore Lit Summer Book Club: On the Tobacco Coast by Christopher Tilghman
Christopher Tilghman’s new novel, On the Tobacco Coast (April '24, FSG), is the final installment in his decorated Mason family series, which is set on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and based on the Queen Anne property that has been in his family since the 17th century. The novel addresses themes of history, environment, race, and land legacy that are deeply relevant to our local community. Shore Lit founder Kerry Folan will co-facilitate several small-group, bookclub-style conversations (capped at approximately 20 participants each) with local organizations throughout the summer, leading up to a book talk with the author at the Avalon Theatre in September '24. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public, though registration is required:
Christopher Tilghman’s new novel, On the Tobacco Coast (April '24, FSG), is the final installment in his decorated Mason family series, which is set on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and based on the Queen Anne property that has been in his family since the 17th century. The novel addresses themes of history, environment, race, and land legacy that are deeply relevant to our local community. Shore Lit founder Kerry Folan will co-facilitate several small-group, bookclub-style conversations (capped at approximately 20 participants each) with local organizations throughout the summer, leading up to a book talk with the author at the Avalon Theatre in September '24. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public, though registration is required:
Talbot Historical Society*
Thursday, June 20 @ 6 pm
The Catherine Valliant Hill Research Center (25 S. Washington St., Easton)
This program will include a guided conversation about the book and offer historical context on the Hermitage, the real-life property in Centerville owned by the Tilghman family that inspired the fictional Mason's Retreat. To register, please email [email protected].
*This event is open to THS members only.
Thursday, June 20 @ 6 pm
The Catherine Valliant Hill Research Center (25 S. Washington St., Easton)
This program will include a guided conversation about the book and offer historical context on the Hermitage, the real-life property in Centerville owned by the Tilghman family that inspired the fictional Mason's Retreat. To register, please email [email protected].
*This event is open to THS members only.
Water’s Edge Museum
Tuesday, July 2 @ 6 pm
Co-facilitated by Water’s Edge Museum Interim Director Lydia Williams, this program will include a discussion of the history of Oxford’s founding Black families, offering insight into free Black communities on the shore and the historically taboo subject of interracial families. Register here.
Tuesday, July 2 @ 6 pm
Co-facilitated by Water’s Edge Museum Interim Director Lydia Williams, this program will include a discussion of the history of Oxford’s founding Black families, offering insight into free Black communities on the shore and the historically taboo subject of interracial families. Register here.
ShoreRivers
Wednesday, July 10 @ 6 pm
Eastern Shore Conservation Center (114 S Washington St, Easton)
Co-facilitated by ShoreRivers' Darran White Tilghman, this program will include a guided conversation about the book through the lens of family, stewardship, and the intimate connections between people, land, and our rivers. Darran is the Director of Community Engagement at ShoreRivers, and her marriage into the Tilghman family helped to inspire her environmental career on the Eastern Shore. Register here.
Wednesday, July 10 @ 6 pm
Eastern Shore Conservation Center (114 S Washington St, Easton)
Co-facilitated by ShoreRivers' Darran White Tilghman, this program will include a guided conversation about the book through the lens of family, stewardship, and the intimate connections between people, land, and our rivers. Darran is the Director of Community Engagement at ShoreRivers, and her marriage into the Tilghman family helped to inspire her environmental career on the Eastern Shore. Register here.
Academy Art Museum
Thursday, July 11 @ 6 pm
Preceding a guided conversation about the book, participants will have the opportunity to walk through the exhibition Darlene Taylor: HEIRLOOMS, which features artwork reimagining the lives of historic Black women who lived in or moved through Talbot County. As part of our conversation, we’ll consider the ways Taylor’s body of work engages with the novel's theme of erasure. Register here.
Thursday, July 11 @ 6 pm
Preceding a guided conversation about the book, participants will have the opportunity to walk through the exhibition Darlene Taylor: HEIRLOOMS, which features artwork reimagining the lives of historic Black women who lived in or moved through Talbot County. As part of our conversation, we’ll consider the ways Taylor’s body of work engages with the novel's theme of erasure. Register here.
Adkins Arboretum
Sunday, August 25 @ 2 pm
Co-facilitated by artist Jonna McKone—whose photographs of former Eastern Shore tobacco plantations, including the Tilghman family property, will be on view in the Arboretum gallery—this program will include a guided conversation about the book and consider the changing landscape of the Shore. McKone will discuss her work on view, and the event will be followed by a reception open to the public. Register here.
Sunday, August 25 @ 2 pm
Co-facilitated by artist Jonna McKone—whose photographs of former Eastern Shore tobacco plantations, including the Tilghman family property, will be on view in the Arboretum gallery—this program will include a guided conversation about the book and consider the changing landscape of the Shore. McKone will discuss her work on view, and the event will be followed by a reception open to the public. Register here.
Talbot County Free Library, Easton Branch
Monday, August 26 @ 6:00 pm
Co-facilitated by the Needle's Eye Academy and Conversations on Race, this program will include a guided conversation about the book, particularly in the context of race and regional writers of color. Register here.
Monday, August 26 @ 6:00 pm
Co-facilitated by the Needle's Eye Academy and Conversations on Race, this program will include a guided conversation about the book, particularly in the context of race and regional writers of color. Register here.
Book Talk: Christopher Tilghman in Conversation with Kerry Folan
2pm Sunday, September 8
The Avalon Theatre, Easton
Christopher Tilghman’s new novel, On the Tobacco Coast (FSG), is the final installment in his decorated Mason family series, which is set on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and based on the Queen Anne property that has been in his family since the 17th century. Tilghman will discuss the novel, which addresses themes of history, environment, race, and land legacy, with Shore Lit Founder Kerry Folan.
2pm Sunday, September 8
The Avalon Theatre, Easton
Christopher Tilghman’s new novel, On the Tobacco Coast (FSG), is the final installment in his decorated Mason family series, which is set on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and based on the Queen Anne property that has been in his family since the 17th century. Tilghman will discuss the novel, which addresses themes of history, environment, race, and land legacy, with Shore Lit Founder Kerry Folan.