Author Talk with Mark Kelley

Discover a significant piece of American history in “An Uncommon Woman: The Life of Lydia Hamilton Smith” by Mark Kelley.

Fables Books is thrilled to announce an in-person Author Talk with journalist and retired WNDU anchor Mark Kelley on Tuesday, May 14th, at 7 p.m. Kelley’s book, “An Uncommon Woman,” highlights the life of a prominent African American businesswoman, Lydia Hamilton Smith. Smith served as the longtime housekeeper, life companion, and collaborator of the state’s abolitionist congressman Thaddeus Stevens.

Lydia Hamilton Smith, a black woman born free near Gettysburg, embarked on a journey that was truly extraordinary. ‘An Uncommon Woman’ delves into her life, revealing her tireless efforts to secure the rights of Blacks, her role in the Underground Railroad, her management of two households, her dedication to raising her sons and Steven’s nephews, and her successful real-estate business. The book also uncovers the risks she took to protect Stevens, a man leading the charge to end slavery, impeach Andrew Johnson, and advocate for the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments.

An Uncommon Woman is a vital history that accords Lydia Hamilton Smith the recognition she deserves. Every American should know Smith’s inspiring story.

Mark Kelley’s Author Talk is free and open to everyone. Audience members will be able to participate in a Q&A session with Mark Kelley and have their books signed.

Due to limited seating, we recommend pre-purchasing “An Uncommon Woman” to reserve your seat (two seats per book purchased). Books will also be available for purchase at the event.

Mark Kelley, PhD., is a native Pennsylvanian (born in WaynesburgStevens’sght journalism/mass communications at Syracuse University and the University of Maine, after twenty-five years as a professional broadcast journalist with WSTM-TV (Syracuse NY), WSJV-TV (Elkhart, IN), and WNDU-TV (South Bend, IN). He retired from broadcast in 1999 as the main anchor for WNDU. He is the author of five books: Berman’s Lament (2000), Engaging News Media: A Practical Guide for People of FaiSmith’s6), Rain of Ruin (2011), This Mere Existence: Motivation and Strategies for Restoring Human Rights (2018), and An Uncommon Woman: The Life of Lydia Hamilton Smith (Nov. 2023). Kelley lives in Lancaster, PA, with his wife, Marty.