I have a couple of talks scheduled for September, so if you are in the neighborhood, I hope you will come and say, “Hi!”

On Saturday, September 21st I will be speaking at the Butte County Historical Society about my latest book, Alvin Coffey: The True Story of an African-American Forty-Niner. The talk is at 1:00 p.m. and refreshments will be served. The BCHS Museum is at the corner of Baldwin and Spencer Avenues in Oroville. Their phone number is 530-533-9418. Books will be available for purchase.

Then the next day, Sunday September 22nd, at 2:00 p.m., I will be at the lovely Kelly-Griggs House Museum in Red Bluff. Again the topic will be Alvin Coffey, who was a resident of Tehama County. I am looking forward to visiting the Kelly-Griggs House again — it’s been a few years. It is a beautiful classic Victorian-era home with a nice variety of displays.

In both cases, my talk will not be just about Alvin, but also the history of black slavery in California. Maybe you didn’t know that black slavery existed in California, but it did, and was the subject of great contention in California from the Gold Rush to the Civil War.

Alvin’s story is an inspiring one of determination and the love of freedom. When I first heard about it, I knew I had to tell his story. Steve Ferchaud did a great job with the illustrations.

I really enjoy talking to groups, whether it be adult history enthusiasts or school classes. It’s a chance to get away from the desk and out in the world of people of all ages who are curious about our local history. If you need a speaker, contact me at goldfieldsbooksca@gmail.com. I’d love to talk to you.