Harbor History Museum is excited to present Humanities in the Harbor, a monthly lecture series that explores unique and engaging topics for the Gig Harbor community that will run throughout 2017.

Humanities in the Harbor will continue in August with a special presentation by author and memoirist Claire Gebben on "Creating a legacy from family papers and genealogy."

Claire Gebben discovered the untold story of her ancestors when three dozen letters turned up among her family papers. Eventually, these 19th century letters of German immigrant blacksmiths and wagon-makers became the basis for her debut historical novel The Last of the Blacksmiths. Since the book’s publication, readers often come to her with a pressing concern: "I have all these documents, but what can I do with them? Who among my children will ever care or know what they're about?" A common challenge, but not an impossible one. Even trunks full of documents, correspondence, and ephemera can be transformed into a lasting legacy.  In this presentation, Claire Gebben shares formats, ideas, organizational tips, and inspiration to ensure the stories of your ancestors, and your own life histories, are not lost.

About the presenter: Claire Gebben holds an MFA in Creative Writing through the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts and has given numerous talks and presentations about historical research and writing throughout the U.S. and in Germany. Recent articles have appeared in Family Chronicle (Jan./Feb. 2015) and German Life (June/July 2016) magazines.  Gebben’s next book, a memoir about her quest to trace her ancestry, is forthcoming from Coffeetown Press in 2018. More info at www.clairegebben.com.

Humanities in the Harbor is held at Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98332. Admission is $5 and can be purchased online on the Museum's Buy Tickets page or by calling 253-858-6722; tickets may also be purchased at the door. 

Questions and inquires may be directed to Zachary Sokolik, Marketing & Events Coordinator at Harbor History Museum at marketing@harborhistorymuseum.org.