The Woman Who Fought to Bring Cherry Trees to Washington- for Women's History Month

The fascinating life of Eliza Scidmore

Diana Parsell will discuss her recent bio of Scidmore, who was a trailblazing journalist and the Forrest Gump of her day, witness to much important 20th century history, and popularizer of Japan.

Diana Parsell is a writer, editor, and former journalist who has worked at National Geographic and other major publications, and at science organizations in Washington and Southeast Asia. Her book Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees was published in March 2023 by Oxford University Press. More info: www.dianaparsell.com 

The book is in the Library's collection and available for borrowing and placing holds: https://mcpl.aspendiscovery.org/Union/Search?lookfor=eliza%20scidmore

Don't have a card right now?  No worries!  Find out how to Get a Library Card:https://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/services/card.html

Scidmore was a globetrotting travel writer from Alaska to Asia, a key figure at the early National Geographic and a Washingtonian who made a lasting imprint on the city’s identity a century ago in her quest to bring Japanese cherry trees to the nation’s capital. Local author Diana Parsell will describe how she uncovered Scidmore’s long-overlooked story and wrote the first-ever biography of her, published in 2023. Program will take place in the Multi-Purpose Room, #132.

Questions about this program? Contact the Library at 240-777-0678.

Accommodation Requests

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing should request English-language captioning or sign-language interpretation at least five days before the library-sponsored program they plan to attend. Contact the Assistant Facilities and Accessibility Program Manager at 240-777-0002 with all other accommodation requests.

cm 1.1 01/03/2023

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