Author Talks

Hagley regularly arranges talks by authors of recent books that draw on or relate to Hagley research collections and that will be of interest to the general public. With topics ranging broadly in the areas of business, culture, and history, these author talks provide a captivating way to learn more about the stories contained in Hagley’s collections.

Author talks begin promptly at 7 p.m. and are held in Hagley’s Soda House building. The talk is followed by an opportunity for audience discussion and purchases of the author’s book. Light refreshments are provided. The event ends by 8:15 p.m.

Use Hagley's Buck Road East entrance off Route 100 in Wilmington, Delaware. Advance registration is free but required; proof of registration may be needed to enter event. Registrations must be made by using the Eventbrite links on each author talk page.

Upcoming Author Talks

2024 - 2025 Series

  • February 27, 2025: David Suisman. Instrument of War: Music and the Making of America’s Soldiers

    On February 27, David Suisman will speak about his his new book Instrument of War: Music and the Making of America’s Soldiers. Whether the sounds came from brass instruments, weary and homesick singers, or a pair of heavily used earbuds, where there was war, there was music, too.

  • May 8, 2025: Lisa Jacobson. Intoxicating Pleasures: The Reinvention of Wine, Beer, and Whiskey after Prohibition

    On May 8 Lisa Jacobson will speak about her new book, Intoxicating Pleasures: The Reinvention of Wine, Beer, and Whiskey after Prohibition. Following prohibition’s end in 1933 alcoholic beverage producers struggled for decades to restore alcohol’s respectability and mass market success. It took a battalion of public relations experts and tastemakers to establish wine, beer, and whiskey as legitimate emblems of the American good life.

Past Author Talks

2019 - 2020 Series -- View Series PDF

2017 - 2018 Series -- View Series PDF

2016 - 2017 Series -- View Series PDF

2015 - 2016 Series -- View Series PDF

2014 - 2015 Series -- View Series PDF

2013 - 2014 Series -- View Series PDF