Award winning editor and writer Steven Schwankert will open the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society’s Speaker Series Wednesday, May 17, at the Strauss Mansion Museum, Prospect Circle.
Schwankert will highlight the history of Simon Lake, a mechanical engineer and naval architect who was at the forefront in creating the first submarine, as well as many other models afterwards.
The first sub, Argonaut 1, is replicated at the Municipal Harbor and dates to the 1800s. Lake obtained more than 200 patents for his engineering inventions during his lifetime.
The lecture will begin at 7:30 and is open to all at no cost, though donations for preservation of the Strauss Mansion Museum and continuation of Society programs are always gratefully accepted.
Music at the Mansion also begins its seasonal program on Friday, May 19, when Nancy Scharff will present a variety of music ranging from Broadway show tunes, to both classical and popular songs. The soloist will also honor Armed Forces Day with a variety of patriotic tunes, encouraging audience participation.
This event also begins at 7:30 p.m. and is held outdoors on the Strauss Mansion Museum grounds. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased now on the website at www.ahhistory.org/gift-shop or at the Museum the evening of the event. Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and liquid refreshments to celebrate the start of a new season of outdoor entertainment.
Though a local artist of renown, Scharff is also a soloist who has appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and has a talent that includes presentation of music in a variety of genres.
Guests to all events or visits to the Museum are always invited to bring a non-perishable item or baby product for donation to the Atlantic Highlands Food Pantry.
In addition to the Speaker Series and Music at the Mansion, , the June program of events for the Historical Society also includes Paranormal at the Mansion on June 24, with a limited number of tickets available for this unique event with paranormal investigators.
