Date:November 19, 2012

Local Author Plans Book Signing

Area history buffs will be lining up Black Friday, Nov. 23, at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum in Stevenson. On hand at the Museum Store will be local historian/author Merna DeBolt to sign copies of the third volume of her popular Museum Musings.

The books, fresh off the press this week, represent some five years of weekly newspaper columns published in the Skamania County Pioneer, plus many previously unpublished photos. “Her stories are lively, entertaining, and especially educational,” said Tina Bartley, office manager at the museum. “Anyone interested in Columbia Gorge history will get many hours of entertainment.”

DeBolt is a former school teacher and long-time volunteer at the museum. For years she has done a living history program as Lucy, Meriwether Lewis’s mother. She performs for various groups, including visiting schools and even corporate gatherings at Skamania Lodge and other. Recently she added another character to her list, and she now often portrays “The Gossip Lady,” who relates colorful stories of past Skamania County people and events.

Museum Musings Volume 3 is priced at $32.99. The Museum Store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Visitors to only the Museum Store are not required to pay admission.