Join us to learn about one local musician's journey as a "sideman" in Frederick County! Billy Lebherz has played across genres, including rock, folk, country, acid rock and more in bands that have spanned over decades. Billy will share his experiences as music has evolved for him over the years, from the perspective of a musician who has always been in collaboration. There will be time at the end to ask questions!
Maryland Room
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Maryland authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie will talk about their new book, A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams. Copies of the books will be available to purchase through Curious Iguana.
In light of America’s 250th birthday this year, Curious Iguana is eager to welcome historian and author David O. Stewart on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:00-7:00 pm. David will discuss his latest book, The Democracy We Must Keep with Holly Smith, editor-in-chief of the Washington Independent Review of Books. Following their discussion, David will answer questions and sign books. Copies of The Democracy We Must Keep will be available for purchase at the event.
This event is free and open to the public, hosted in partnership with the Frederick County Public Library. For accessibility requests, email info@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
About the book: "A great scholar of the American past, David O. Stewart has brilliantly mined what has come before to guide us in our own, all-too-urgent American present. An important and timely volume." ~ Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The American Struggle
What did America's founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America?
Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled.
In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry's thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution.
Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape.
These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy.
That power must be limited.
That leaders must answer to the people.
That individual rights must be protected by law.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them.
About the author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David O. Stewart now writes history and historical novels. His five narrative histories have won seven awards from literary organizations, and his five historical novels include best-sellers. In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Washington Independent Review of Books, of which he is the founding president.
About the moderator: Holly Smith is editor-in-chief of the Washington Independent Review of Books, as well as a college lecturer, longtime freelance writer, and proud “Jeopardy!” bronze medalist. Prior to joining the Independent, she was managing editor of Maryland Life magazine. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, CNBC.com , Salon, and elsewhere. She also co-authored the travel guide Seafood Lover’s Chesapeake Bay, which is ironic since she doesn’t eat fish. Find her on Bluesky at @HSmithWrites.
In light of America’s 250th anniversary, Curious Iguana is excited to welcome historian and author Derek Baxter to Frederick on Wednesday, July 22 from 6:00-7:00 pm to speak about his new book, The Forgotten World War.
Focusing on the broader impacts of the American Revolution, Derek invites readers to consider how this infamous war spanned beyond American soil across the globe.
Following his talk, Derek will answer questions and sign books. Copies of The Forgotten World War will be available for purchase at the event.
For accessibility requests, email events@curiousiguana.com at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
A celebration of local archeology sponsored by the Frederick City Planning Department, co-sponsored by the FCPL Maryland Room and Plamondon Hospitality Partners. This year's presenters will highlight the the work of the Archaeological Conservancy and also the excavations, past and present, at the Birely Tannery, now the site of the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center.
Kelley Berliner, Eastern Regional Director for the Archeological Conservancy, will be discussing her work supporting the preservation and protection of significant archeological sites. For the past 45 years The Archaeological Conservancy has been the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to the permanent preservation of archaeological sites across the country. These sites are protected through fee-simple ownership or easements and are maintained as permanent open-space research preserves that are open to professional archaeologists and for educational purposes. The sites contained in these preserves range in diversity from the some of the earliest known Paleoindian sites to 20th-century industrial complexes. This talk will highlight the Conservancy's efforts.
Sean Coughlin, Archeological Project Manager for R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, will provide an overview of both past and recent excavations at the Birely Tannery. The presentation will focus on how the site changed through time and how those changes are or are not reflected in historical maps and some of the more interesting finds from the most recent excavations.