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Ed Okonwicz, author of more than 20 books on mid-Atlantic folklore and oral history, will sign copies of his newest book, Baltimore Ghosts: History, Mystery, Legends and Lore, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 28, at the University Bookstore in Newark. Those who buy two copies will receive a third copy free.

The book combines Baltimore’s historic past with legends, stories and tales, many of which have been handed down for generations. It chronicles spirited activity at such well-known landmarks as the Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum, Poe’s grave, Fort McHenry, the USS Constellation, John Wilkes Booth’s grave and other haunted sites, and includes the tales of Black Aggie, the vanishing hitchhiker, the phantom piano player and others.

Designed by Kathleen Okonowicz, the book contains more than 60 photographs of the haunted historic places.

Much of the material in the book is based on interviews with people who work at the haunted sites and who share the folklore and legends associated with the historic places. “You can’t separate history and folklore,” Okonowicz said, “and this is an excellent example of the strong link between the two.”

In addition, a “Baltimore Ghosts” Teacher’s Guide, written by Cassandra Cogan, a 2001 UD graduate and an eighth grade special education teacher at Elkton Middle School, is available.

Okonowicz, AS’68, M’84, served as former assistant director of alumni relations and editor in the Office of Public Relations and currently teaches folklore and journalism at UD. He served on the folk/heritage advisory committee of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Contact: Sue Moncure, (302) 831-1740
October 8, 2004