08/25/2026
Two Authors. Two Fascinating Stories. 📚
This September, join the Andover Center for History & Culture for two special author talks and book signings exploring the people, places, and dramatic changes that shaped 19th-century New England.
📖 Sunday, September 13 | 1:00 p.m.
Jodi Lew-Smith, author of Asa James
“The Rise and Fall of New England Almshouses and Poor Farms”
At the Andover Center for History & Culture, 97 Main Street
Vermont author Jodi Lew-Smith explores the history of New England almshouses, poorhouses, and poor farms—and the responsibility towns and counties once assumed for caring for “their own poor.” She’ll also discuss how this history inspired her award-winning historical novel, Asa James, the story of a young man raised on an 1875 Vermont poor farm who dreams of becoming the next Charles Darwin.
🎟️ Reserve your spot:
Register for Jodi Lew-Smith's talk: https://conta.cc/45Serh0
📖 Tuesday, September 15 | 6:30 p.m.
Jane Cairns, author of Exalted Objects
At Oak & Iron Brewing, 18 Red Spring Road, Andover
Join Andover author Jane Cairns for a book launch party, history lecture, and signing celebrating Exalted Objects, a novel inspired by the true story of the 19th-century Stark family of New Hampshire.
Discover the real people and events behind the story, from the Phillips Academy Catalog Rebellion of 1846 to the explosive growth of railroads and industry and the upheaval of the Civil War. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Andover Bookstore, with a special bonus: purchase a book and receive a beer ticket for the evening! Appetizers and celebratory cake will also be available.
🎟️ Reserve your spot:
Register for Jane Cairns's talk and book signing: https://conta.cc/4xm9SHK
Come for the history, stay for the stories—and perhaps leave with a new book to add to your collection! 📚✨
Learn more and register for both Author's Talks: https://conta.cc/4wJTmQN
