The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Announces New Children's Book
Wednesday, November 11th, 2020
1. The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area Announces Publication of Illustrated Children’s Book Titled Our Treasure in Disguise
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is proud to announce the publication of the illustrated children’s book Our Treasure in Disguise! The author, Kelli Spearman, is a retired elementary school teacher who has been working as a historian and tour guide at the Augusta Canal Discovery Center and on the Petersburg Boats. April Henry King, the illustrator, is a local artist who uses watercolor to represent the movement and story of Augusta’s waterways.
When it became evident that there was a lack of early childhood literature about the history of Augusta and its surroundings, the staff at the Augusta Canal chose to pursue a grant available by Women in Philanthropy to help fill the need. With the awarding of the grant, the book was written and the artist engaged. As the work developed, the title was taken from one of the displays in the Discovery Center and Our Treasure in Disguise was published. The original plan was to provide a copy to every elementary school in the CSRA so it could be used as support for field trips to the Augusta Canal.
As the country became embroiled with the pandemic and schools were putting field trips on hold, it is now our hope that the book will be utilized as a means to learn about the history and industrialization of the Augusta Canal. Hopefully, as schools begin to return to normal routines, and field trips are resumed, this book will encourage teachers to plan field trips to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.
2. Book Signing and Art Event: Tuesday, December 8, 2020; 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill
Join us for a Book Signing and Art Event December 8th 4:00pm – 7pm at the Augusta Canal Discovery Center, located at 1450 Greene Street Suite 400, Augusta, GA 30901. This event will feature Our Treasure in Disguise author Kelli Spearman and illustrator April Henry King, along with other local authors Bob Young, Tom Robertson, and Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell! The Discovery Center will also be unveiling King’s original artwork from the children’s book that will be on display in the museum.
Preorders of Our Treasure in Disguise will be available for pick up at this event. Stay to have it signed by the author and illustrator, and browse April King’s children’s book illustrations art exhibit – signed prints will be available as well as a 5-pack notecard set.
Representatives from CSRA’s Elementary schools are invited to attend and pick up a copy signed by the author and illustrator, courtesy of the grant awarded by Women in Philanthropy. A copy will be mailed or delivered to your school if no one attends the event.
Food and drinks will be provided, along with 20% off in the Discovery Center Gift Shop – perfect for all your holiday shopping!
Our Treasure in Disguise pre-orders are available now for $12.95 softback or $29.95 hardback at 706-823-0440 ext. 8 or at [email protected]. Prepay available over the phone or pick up at the event on December 8th.
If you join or renew in our Canal Keeper membership program, you get a FREE signed softback copy of the book. Memberships start at $50 and offer benefits throughout the year. All proceeds help recreation and education programs for the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.
**In order to be in line with COVID restrictions limiting the number of people in the center, reservations are recommended but not required. Masks are required inside.
To make a reservation, call 706-823-0440 ext. 8 or email [email protected]. Reservation times are available for 4pm, 5pm, or 6pm.