Award-winning author and historian Dr. Melvin Patrick Ely will speak Friday, March 19 (Rescheduled from March 5)

Dr. Melvin Patrick Ely, a historian best known for his acclaimed book about an antebellum community of free African-Americans in Prince Edward County, will speak Friday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in the Greenwood Library atrium.

Ely's appearance, sponsored by the Friends of  Greenwood Library, is free and open to the public, though, due to limited seating, people need to RSVP to Keary Mariannino by phone (395-2431) email (marianninokm@longwood.edu), or in person (Library 121).

Ely, William R. Kenan Jr. professor of humanities at the College of William & Mary, is the author of the 2005 book Israel on the Appomattox: A Southern Experiment in Black Freedom from the 1790s Through the Civil War, which won several major awards, including the Bancroft Prize. Israel Hill, settled by about 90 freed slaves in 1810-11, became a successful community whose residents interacted with whites and other blacks. A state historical marker recognizing Israel Hill, just west of Farmville, was unveiled in September 2009.

There will be a reception at 6 p.m. and after his talk Ely will sign copies of Israel on the Appomattox and another book he wrote, The Adventures of Amos 'n' Andy.