Alison OLeary author speaker

Presentations open to the public

Inspire, educate and entertain your audience with a presentation by author Alison O'Leary. Presentations include stunning visuals, insights into the research involved, historical perspective and humor.

NEW FOR 2026:

Part 2: The Best Small Museums in Massachusetts: discover quirky collections, surprising exhibits, and the histories behind them. (For those libraries, COAs, and assisted living residences that enjoyed Part 1, or for those interested in a 2-part series. Contact me to discuss pricing and scheduling.)

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The Best Small Museums in Massachusetts: discover quirky collections, surprising exhibits, and the histories behind them.

700 Miles on the New England Coast: the story of a trip from Providence RI to Bar Harbor ME and back in a 25 foot sailboat, including scenes from small towns, secluded harbors, beautiful sunsets, histories of islands and lighthouses along the way -- and a thrilling shark encounter. See video of the shark encounter HERE.

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Updated! Microadventures in Massachusetts: Get out and explore with adventurous day trips to islands, waterfalls, abandoned towns/settlements, to spot/track wildlife, and hiking/kayaking opportunities. (See flyer on website or request one via email.)

Abandon Ship! The most unique story of WWII: the British ship Laconia was carrying nearly 3000 people 600 miles from land in 1942 when a German submarine sent two torpedoes into her starboard side. Why did the Germans help to rescue survivors? (See flyer on website or request one via email.)

Hikes Through History a sampling of fun and interesting hikes in Eastern Mass. from my Appalachian Mountain Club guidebook Best Day Hikes Near Boston. This program talks about the history of the land we hike on, including the people and historic events that shaped our parks and open spaces.

Hiking A to Z: Everything you need to consider before taking on a significant hike, including canine companions, how much water to bring, footwear and traction, choosing routes, emergency beacons, and more.

Inns and Adventures: Based on my book of the same name, this program offers a variety of adventurous weekend trips in New Hampshire, Vermont, and the Berkshires with doses of humor, history, and peeks inside historic inns. Perfect for the armchair adventurers in the audience too!

So Close to Home: The true story of World War II coming to our doorstep in 1942 and the American family caught in the cross-hairs of a German submarine in the Gulf of Mexico. (See my website for more info)

Hidden Gems (click on video above)

Hikes Through History (via Zoom)

* IN PERSON PROGRAMS FOR 2026 *

MAY

8 1 p.m. Yarmouth Port Library Best Small Museums in Mass.

16 11 a.m. Raynham Public Library So Close to Home

19 7 p.m. Norwood Public Library Microadventures in Mass.

20 6 p.m. Ayer Public Library Best Small Museums in Mass.

21 1 p.m. The Center at Needham Best Small Museums Part I

27 6 p.m. Townshend Public Library Microadventures in Mass.

28 6 p.m. Groton Public Library Best Small Museums in Mass.

JUNE

4 7 p.m. Wellesley Public Library Hikes Through History

8 6 p.m. Taunton Public Library Microadventures in Massachusetts

9 10:30 a.m. Brookfield COA Inns & Adventures

13 TBA Lincoln Public Library Microadventures in Massachusetts

15 6:30 p.m. Holliston Public Library Microadventures in Massachusetts

18 2 p.m. Eldredge Library, Chatham Microadventures in Massachusetts

22 2:30 p.m. New Horizons of Marlborough Philanthropy in the U.S.

25 TBA Billerica Public Library Best Small Museums in Mass. part I

30 6 p.m. Cary Library, Lexington Best Small Museums in Mass. part I

JULY

7 TBA Southwick Public Library Microadventures in Massachusetts

8 6 p.m. Ayer Public Library Hikes Through History

15 6 p.m. Wareham Public Library Seen By Sea, 700 Miles on the Coast

20 1 p.m. The Center at Needham Best Small Museums Part II

21 TBA Cary Library, Lexington Best Small Museums in Mass. Part II

23 6 p.m. Raynham Public Library Hikes Through History

AUGUST

10 2:30 p.m. New Horizons of Marlborough U.S.-China Relations

26 10 a.m. Whelden Library at Fuller Farm Microadventures in Mass.

SEPTEMBER

14 7 p.m. Norwood Public Library Abandon Ship

16 5:30 p.m. Medfield COA at The Center Abandon Ship

OCTOBER

19 2:30 p.m. New Horizons of Marlborough Witchcraft in Massachusetts