An evening of all things whaling with Historian & Editorial Director Carlo DeVito

Date: January 21 at 6pm
Location: Café Le Perche, 230 Warren Street, Hudson

This event is a fundraiser for the library.

On the morning of November 20, 1820, the Essex was more than 1,500 miles from the nearest land when she was struck by an enraged bull whale. The crew fled the wreck in small, frail, open boats. They spent the next 90 days without charts, sun baked, starving and dehydrated. Of the 30 who left the ship, only 8 survived. It is this horrific story that inspired Herman Melville to write Moby Dick.

Join us Thursday, January 21 at Café Le Perche for WHALE HO!, an evening with Carlo DeVito, historian and editorial director of the book Wreck of the Whale Ship Essex. The event consists of two parts.

6pm – Illustrated lecture recounting tales of the Essex, the workings of a whaling ship and how Melville came to learn of the disaster. Tickets to the lecture, sold at the door, are $25 each and include a glass of grog – a typical libation for shipmates of the day.

8pm – Whaling inspired dinner, specially prepared by Café Le Perche. The meal is price fixed at $50 per person and advance reservations are required. Twenty per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the Library. Call the restaurant at 518.822.1850.

Kelley Drahushuk of Spotty Dog Books & Ale will be on hand to sell books during the evening and DeVito will sign copies.

WHALE HO! Is an opportunity to learn more about the harrowing life of a nineteenth century sailor through the stories recounted by the author, first mate Owen Chase. His is a gripping narrative that has special significance given the city of Hudson’s involvement in the whaling economy.

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