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01/21/2020 11:00 PMIt’s local legend that the Deep River Library is haunted, so maybe it’s best that two upcoming spooky experiences sponsored by the library will take place in other venues. This week, the library will bring an author and a psychic to town for two evening events, with another talk coming in early February.
First up is a program co-sponsored by the Deep River Historical Society and the Deep River Library: Local author Stephen Olbrys Gencarella will give a talk about his latest book, Spooky Trails and Tall Tales Connecticut: Hiking the State’s Legends, Hauntings and History at the historical society’s Carriage House on Thursday, Jan. 23.
“Stephen is a very good story teller so I am sure the talk will be very entertaining,” said the Deep River Library Director Susan Rooney.
An expert on local legends, Gencarella is uniquely equipped to tell the spine-chilling stories of spirits and hauntings from Connecticut’s rich landscape and vibrant culture. He is a tenured professor of folklore studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is familiar with the tri-town area and the surrounding towns, as he has spent time as the resident folklorist at the Connecticut River Museum.
Gencarella’s new book includes tales about the Moodus Noises, Diabolical Dens, and the Barkhamstead Lighthouse to name a few.
“I’ll have stories from Essex and Deep River (and maybe Chester), and I have copious others in the memory bank,” said Gencarella.
There is no registration for this event, which will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Deep River Historical Society Carriage House at 254 Main Street. Gencarella’s book will be on sale at the event for a discounted price of $15.
Next up is the library’s fifth annual Psychic Medium Fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Deep River Library on Sunday, Jan. 26, in the Town Hall Auditorium from 2 to 4 p.m.
This year, psychic medium Jeff McBride will invite participants to engage with him as he seeks to interact with those who have passed, both human and animal, and reconnects with lost items, as well as give insight into people’s current relationships.
McBride is not only a medium but also an author, certified Reiki master, and former police officer.
“We have heard wonderful things about this medium,” said Rooney. “He came on the recommendation of someone in the community and we can’t wait to see him in action. This night promises to be fun and enlightening.”
Tickets are available in advance at the Deep River Public Library 150 Main Street, for $45 or $55 at the door at Town Hall, 174 Main Street.
With a focus on ghouls, gargoyles, and the grotesque, author and photographer Mathew Duman will present an illustrated lecture showcasing his latest book The Grotesque 10: Amazing Architectural Sculpture from Ten American Colleges and Universities as well as, other interesting features of the Collegiate Gothic architectural style, at the library on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Duman has been to Deep River in the past, speaking about the origin and meaning of the menacing, macabre gargoyles at Yale University. This time around he will expand the breath of his presentation to include original photographs and will explain the use of grotesques and gargoyles on academic buildings throughout the country.
“Mathew takes great photos and gives a great presentation. His information is very interesting and I think the community will have a great time learning from him,” said Rooney.
Duman’s talk will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information call 860-526-6039.
“All of these talks and programs cover a variety of fascinating topics, so we hope that the community comes out and takes part in these events. The dead of winter is a wonderful time of year to get out of the house and learn something new,” said Rooney.