Milton Historical Society to host ‘Just Mercy’ book discussion July 2, 30

The Milton Historical Society will host two book discussions on Bryan A. Stevenson’s best-selling “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” Tuesdays, July 2 and 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Christy Taylor, Stevenson’s sister and a local musician, leads the program. 

Stevenson and Taylor grew up in Milton. This event is offered in conjunction with the Milton Historical Society’s newly opened hometown hero exhibition titled “Walking into Greatness: Bryan A. Stevenson,” on view through December. Taylor will use the exhibition as a backdrop to the book group’s conversation.

Born in 1959, author Bryan Stevenson went to the local “colored” school 196C in Milton before the Cape Henlopen School District integrated. He attended Milton Elementary and Junior High School, and graduated in 1977 from Cape Henlopen High School at the top of his class. After college and graduate school, he founded the Equal Justice Initiative and become an internationally famous public interest attorney and civil rights activist dedicated to helping the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned. 

Stevenson’s book “Just Mercy” chronicles his professional career and advocacy for prisoners on death row, incarcerated children, and imprisoned people with disabilities. Much like the MHS exhibition, Taylor’s book discussion will put her brother‘s and family’s personal history into a local and national context.  

MHS Chief Curator Heidi Nasstrom Evans says, “Christy Taylor is the perfect leader for a ‘Just Mercy’ book discussion. Her remembrances of growing up in Milton, and her ongoing support and admiration for her brother’s important work are the basis for our exhibition. They add so much to our understanding of Bryan Stevenson and help us read between the lines to better understand the subtleties of her brother’s book.”

These events are open to the public. Reservations are required since space is limited. They may be made online at www.historicmilton.org/events. The cost is $10 for future members and there is no cost for current MHS members. Registrants have the opportunity to buy the book and become MHS members during the registration process. All proceeds support the Milton Historical Society’s programs.    

The Lydia B. Cannon Museum, located at 210 Union St. in Milton, is free and open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; noon to 3 p.m., Sundays, and by appointment.

For more information about the Milton Historical Society’s programs visit www.historicmilton.org, or call 302-684-1010.

The Milton Historical Society is a nonprofit cultural and educational organization dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of the history of Milton and the Broadkill Hundred. The society collects, preserves, and interprets stories, artifacts, and documents related to Milton and the Broadkill Hundred for study and education. They welcome the participation of people of all ages in sharing informative and engaging experiences that will encourage them to discover and appreciate their heritage.