Sumter Museum to host bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe and historian, author Tom Elmore

Sumter Museum will host two exciting authors in May. Bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe's Talk and Book Signing Luncheon will be held at noon Thursday, May 15, and historian Tom Elmore's Lunch and Learn event will be at noon on Thursday, May 22. Both events will be held in McKenzie Hall, within the museum's Heritage Education Center at 122 N. Washington St.

Monroe will discuss her most recent work, "Where the Rivers Merge," a highly anticipated epic and triumphant novel - a celebration of the land and spirit of early 20th-century Lowcountry.

"Where the Rivers Merge" is a dramatic and sweeping multigenerational family story, set in both 1908 and 1988, of unyielding love, lessons learned, profound sacrifices and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to persevere in the face of change in order to protect her family legacy and the land she loves. People Magazine exclaims, "Wade into the Lowcountry of South Carolina with Mary Alice Monroe's sweeping Southern epic … You can almost feel the grasses tickling your calves from the very first page."

Monroe, based in Charleston, is the author of 30 books and counting. More than feel-good escapism or traditional beach reads, her engrossing stories deftly explore the intersections and parallels between Mother Nature and human nature, hooking readers emotionally and introducing them to characters and causes that live in their hearts and minds. Her robust library of work - from the popular "Beach House" series to her compelling fiction, to her newer middle-grade series, "The Islanders" - engages readers across generational lines, inspiring them to take a harder look at the environment - and our impact on it. To ask the important questions. To seek answers. To create connections - both with nature and in our personal lives.

Monroe has made several appearances at Sumter Museum in recent years, consistently drawing large crowds. Guests are asked to purchase tickets in advance, as seating is limited. Tickets are $35 for museum members and $40 for non-members. Each ticket includes a delicious lunch and a hardcover copy of Monroe's latest book, which attendees will have the opportunity to get signed at the event.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.SumterMuseum.org or by calling (803) 775-0908.

Elmore will present insights from his book, "Potter's Raid through South Carolina: The Final Days of the Confederacy." April and May 2025 marked the 160th anniversary of Potter's Raid, a series of Civil War-related battles, skirmishes and events in the Sumter County area.

Elmore uses rare and nearly forgotten accounts to compile the story of this often overlooked campaign that featured the last shots of the Civil War in the state that started it. While Lee was surrendering at Appomattox 160 years ago, the final military campaign in S.C. was taking place in and around Sumter County.

Brig. Gen. Edward Potter was leading a force of 2,500 men, including the renowned African American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts, famously portrayed in the movie "Glory," in a march through Georgetown, Manning, Sumter and Camden in search of railroad equipment they had been ordered to destroy.

Elmore holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of South Carolina. He's the author of five books about South Carolina in the 19th century, as well as numerous articles in regional and national publications. He is the current State Historian for the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Additionally, he is a member of the Richland County American Revolution 250th Committee, the Robert Burns Society of the Midlands and the Scottish Clan Davidson. He is also on the South Carolina Humanities Speaker's Bureau.

Lunch and Learn tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the public. Tickets include both the presentation and lunch. Elmore's book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Tickets may be purchased online at www.SumterMuseum.org or by calling (803) 775-0908.