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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.

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NEW FOR 2026: 

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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 

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

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


JUNE

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

22   2:30 p.m.     New Horizons of Marlborough               Philanthropy in the U.S. 
                       
            ( ATTENTION LIBRARIANS AND ASSISTED LIVING ACTIVITY DIRECTORS
                  PLAN YOUR PROGRAMS NOW BY CONTACTING ME AT
                          ALISON.3.OLEARY@GMAIL.COM!)


JULY

7     TBA             Southwick Public Library                         Microadventures in Massachusetts

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


AUGUST

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

SEPTEMBER


OCTOBER

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

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© 2016 by Alison.3.OLeary

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