Barnes and Noble to Host Book Fair on July 19

to Benefit Mandarin Museum & Historical Society;

Maple Leaf Captain to Describe Shipwreck at 12 Noon

Contact: Andrew Morrow, Executive Director

268-0784; email: mandarinmuseum@bellsouth.net

July 10, 2008

The Mandarin Barnes & Noble Bookseller at 11112 San Jose Boulevard will host its second annual book fair to benefit the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Jim Towart, a well known re-enactor will debut his new character Captain Dale, the Boston civilian who captained the steamboat Maple Leaf from 1862 until the ship hit a confederate mine and sank off Mandarin Point on April 1, 1864. Towart's program begins at 12 noon. He will be dressed as Captain Dale to regale adults and children with stories about this interesting individual from the Civil War.

“Capt. Dale had many notable adventures,” said Towart, one of the authors of The Maple Leaf: An Extraordinary American Civil War Shipwreck. "He was involved in an incident when the ship was captured by Confederate prisoners of war who revolted against their Union guards and also defied Union Army orders that would have cost him his job. He was quite a character.”

A portion of all purchases for books, music, and other items including refreshments at the café will be donated to the society when the customer presents a voucher, according to Andrew Morrow, society executive director. Vouchers can be picked up in advance at the Mandarin Museum. Society volunteers will also be present at Barnes and Noble to provide vouchers and information about the programs planned for summer and fall.

“This is a great opportunity to purchase summer reading and contribute to the museum and programs at the Mandarin Museum and Walter Jones Historical Park," said Morrow. “Last year Barnes & Noble gave more than $300 to the society."

Morrow noted that Towart often speaks to area school groups who tour the Mandarin Museum and park.

"This can be a learning experience for the whole family. We have an exhibit about the Maple Leaf at the museum. Information about the shipwreck is available at www.mapleleafshipwreck.com."

The Mandarin Museum & Historical Society is located at 11964 Mandarin Road. For information and directions please contact (904) 268-0784. Email: mandarinmuseum@bellsouth.net or visit www.mandarinmuseum.net

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