Great time at my New Hampshire Ghosts of Ireland Lecture

On Wednesday, March 12th, I gave a 1 hour lecture at the Somerworth Historical Society in Somersworth, New Hampshire, about some highlights from my book, "Ghosts of Ireland on a Medium's Vacation." It turned out to be a great event but it took a LOT of coordination!  Today's blog is about how I came up with the idea, location, and all that went into advertising and doing it! PLUS, there's a chilling story an attendee shared in a Dublin jail!

HOW I ARRANGED IT- When you're an author, you have to look for opportunities to talk about your books. In February, 2025, Tom and I heard about a lecture at the Somersworth Historical Society and we tried to get in, but there were no seats left!  It was a lecture from a retired city police officer about an unsolved case.  That gave me the idea that since St. Patrick's Day is March 17th, that it would be appropriate to do my "Ghosts of Ireland" lecture the week before. 

(Image: The flyer that Arlene created for the Historical Society event. Credit: SHS) 

So, I put together a press kit that included a press release announcing the published book, a physical excerpt of the book containing several chapters, and a promotional post card I had made for my "Ghosts on Vacation" series. I walked into the Historical Society, introduced myself, pitched the idea, and it was later brought the attention of the board for a decision. They approved it, and March 12th was selected. It's all about being proactive.

(Photo: George (left), Rob (center), Arlene (right) of the Somersworth Historical Society. Credit: R.G.)

ADVERTISING THE  EVENT - Arlene and George, who manage the Somersworth Historical Society coordinated a flyer which was posted around the city. They took care of city postings, and I also shared it on Facebook events, Instagram, Linked in, Threads, BlueSky, and even Nextdoor.com. A local restaurant, supermarket, post office, Somerworth City Hall and library posted the flyer among other places.It was also advertised on the Historical Society facebook page and the Somersworth local cable channel. It's a lot of work to make people aware of an event!

(Photo: Attendees listening to Rob's lecture. Credit: T.W.) 

ABOUT THE LECTURE -  It was well-attended and people in the audience shared experiences and stories about their visits to Ireland. There was even a gentleman who grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and had visited a lot of the places I discussed. My lectures tend to run about 45 minutes, but I encourage audience participation and ask people to share their experiences. 

(Photo: Rob, Tom, Alex and Laureen. Credit: R.G.) 

FRIEND SUPPORT - It means so much whenever friends come out to support me.That evening, my friends Laureen and Alex joined Tom and I. It takes a lot of planning to do each event, and any support means a lot to me.  

A CHILLING STORY SHARED - The gentleman from Ireland told of his visit to Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) in Dublin. 

(Photo: Kilmainan Gaol. Credit: R.G.) 

He said that his small tour group were brought into a cell, and the door was closed behind them. He said the guide turned off the lights and the small group was in the dark for just 3 minutes. He said it was pitch black. He indicated feelings of dread that overcame him, and he became anxious.

  He said that although there was no one standing behind him (I assume his back was against a wall), he felt the touch of man's hand against his back... which was likely the ghost of the prisoner who died in the cell. 

   He said that people had asked for the lights to be turned back on, or the guide to open the door. It was that unnerving.

(Photo: Rob and Laureen at the lecture. Credit: R.G.) 

MY BOOK CHAPTER ON THE GAOL - In my book, I wrote about my experience with Kilmainan Gaol. I was outside of the Gaol (didn't get to go inside to tour it), and connected with the ghost of a male prisoner who died inside. In my book, I sketched what the man looked like and shared the story. 

A BIG THANKS - to Tom for coming to the lecture, helping set up, and pack up and tear down the banners, put the books away, pack up my computer, postcards and signs. It takes a lot of time to display things, and then pack them up again!

(Photo: Tom's reaction after packing up!)