Reserve Now for Salem Avery Museum's Winter Talk Series

Each year, the Capt. Salem Avery Museum in Shady Side brings in a weekly speaker for lunch and an informative talk, plus a time for question and answer. For the folks who run the "Winter Luncheon" series, debate over selecting the speakers is almost as intense as the debate over what soups will be served, what breads accompany the soups and what desserts go with the homemade soups. 

By the time the first speaker walks in in January, most of the luncheons are sold out.

This year's series begins Jan. 11 when Mary Ann Jung, a historic reenactor, portrays "Rosie the Riveter." Jung brings a lively sense of humor, audience participation and a love of history to her dynamic show. Visit her History Alive Shows website for a video preview. Also on the site, Dik Daso, curator at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC says of Jung:

"Mary Ann's portrayal of Rosie the Riveter was 'gosh darn' perfect. From costume and character to well-researched stories, she captured the essence of life in the factory, difficulties at home, and even the impact of politics and public opinion during World War II. Her performance takes living history to new heights. An unforgettable and educational experience!"

Next up, on Jan. 18 is author Mick Blackistone, a South County author who will discuss, "A New Decade: Current Issues Facing the Bay and Its Watermen." Blackistone has authored numerous books for children and adults. He is an "Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay," a title bestowed on him by former Maryland Gov. William Donald Schaefer. He writes and speaks on the topic of bay restoration, watermen and environmental issues.

On Jan. 25, Kathleen Litchfield Petro will present a talk on Landscape Renovation. Petro is a principle in Petro Design Build, a company with 30 years of experience in "making homes more comfortable and gardens more livable." The online portfolio of work showcases the design/build concept. The company uses landscape greenery, hardscapes, furniture, firepits, hot tubs and more to transform ordinary yards into a outdoor living spaces or striking home entries.

Feb. 1 brings Genevieve Kaplan, on "Fighting for an Education: Separate But Equal in Anne Arundel County." Kaplan is Education and Public Programs Manager of the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis. She has worked with school administrators in developing and implementing various programs for Maryland school groups, increasing museum visitorship by 400 percent.

Greg Kearns will speak on Feb. 8, presenting, "The Osprey—Its Life and Recent Trends on the Patuxent River." Kearns has banded more than 3,000 Ospreys out of Patuxent River Park/Jug Bay Natural Area in Prince George's County. Kearns also builds Osprey platforms. Ask him about his wild times working closely with wildlife. 

The final talk is Feb. 15 with Craig Symonds who will discuss "The Civil War, 150 Years Later." Symonds is an author and retired professor and was chairman of the history department at the United States Naval Academy. He is a distinguished historian of the American Civil War.

Each program begins at 11:30 a.m., and is followed by luncheons of homemade soups, specialty breads, dessert and drinks.

To sign up for the whole series ($85), print out the registration. Reservations are required for each talk. The cost for an individual luncheon is $17. Please note that preference in signing up for the talks is given to Capt. Avery Museum members.

For snow or weather cancellations, the talks adhere to Anne Arundel County School cancelation schedule. If schools are canceled for snow, so is the luncheon. If schools are delayed, luncheons will take place as planned (without delay). Cancelations will also be noted on the Capt. Salem Avery Museum website.

Finally, the luncheon series will be a collection point for food collections for the South County food distribution center at St. James Parish in Lothian. Please bring a donation of canned soup or other canned food.

For more information about the Capt. Salem Avery House, call 410-867-4486. The musem is located at 1418 East West Shady Side Road in Shady Side.