Attending one of Claire’s programs, whether in-person or virtually, is like enjoying a cup of good English tea with a well-informed and fascinating friend. Her presentations are unique, professionally delivered, with just enough curiosities that leave audience members feeling like “insiders.” Offering intelligent and delightful presentations…and delightful to work with, Claire delivers exceptional experiences.
Donna Blomquist
Programming Librarian
LaSalle Public Library
LaSalle, Illinois
We thoroughly enjoyed Britain’s Hidden Treasures as presented by Claire Evans. Thank you, PHPL! What an engaging presenter. I have seen several of her programs through various libraries, and she never disappoints.
Prospect Heights (IL) Public Library patron
I give the following virtual or hybrid library presentations for adults. For a listing of who I’ve worked with in 2022, click here. I’ve given 250 and counting well-reviewed talks to libraries and civic groups all over the United States and abroad. If you’d like to see me, look for the events page of the library listed for how to register for Zoom programs. If you are a programming librarian looking for fresh library program ideas, take a look at my offerings and get in touch. Check back, as I continue to develop new talks frequently!
NEW TALKS!
High Tea and the Low Down: A Guide to Misunderstanding British English
Steeped in Secrecy: The Boston Tea Party, 250 Years Later
James Herriot: The Simple Life of the World’s Most Famous Veterinarian
In Cod We Trust: A Deep Dive into the History of Fish and Chips
Britain’s Hidden Treasures
Classic talks that never go out of style:
The Great British Baking Tour (also available in Holiday Edition)
From Uptown Girls to Downton Abbey: How American Gilded Age Heiresses Invaded the British Aristocracy
Pottering Around the UK: Real Life Locations from the World of Harry Potter
The Politics of Tea: The East India Company and British Tea Culture
From Merlin to Doc Martin: The Best of England’s Dramatic Cornwall
Mary Anning: History’s Greatest Fossilist
Happy Christmas! Celebrating the Holiday, UK Style
High Tea and the Low Down: A Guide to Misunderstanding British English
One of the most shocking things Americans find when traveling in Britain is not just the wealth of regional accents, but the completely different terminology Brits use in our “common” language. Would you know what to do with an aubergine and a courgette? Is it possible to be scrummy while drinking scrumpy in the scrum? Would you ever want to name at UK linen store “Bed Bath and Beyond?” Chuckle while learning how to avoid Britspeak disaster on your next trip from American Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans, author of “High Tea and the Low Down: An American’s Unfiltered Life in the UK.”
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- LaSalle Public Library on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 6 p.m. Central
- Lisle Library District on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at 2 p.m. Central
- Fossil Ridge Public Library on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 6 p.m. Central
Steeped in Secrecy: The Boston Tea Party, 250 Years Later
The story of tea has always been infused with intrigue, particularly when it became a flash point for tensions between England and Colonial America. Learn about the brewing political problems tea presented in its history with Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans. Next, author, genealogist, librarian, and former UK resident Debra Dudek examines the history of the Boston Tea Party’s most famous partiers (and phonies), as well as how to trace bona fide participants through lineage societies and historical groups.
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Amherst (NH) Township Library on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- LaSalle Public Library (IL) on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at 6 p.m. Central
- Peters Township Public Library (PA) on Wed., Dec. 6, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
- Syosset Public Library (NY) on Fri., Dec. 8, 2023 at 2 p.m. Central
- Plainfield Area Public Library on Sat., Dec. 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. Central
- Tewkesbury Public Library (MA) and others TBD on Sat., Dec. 16, 2023 at 2 p.m. Eastern
James Herriot: The Simple Life of the World’s Most Famous Veterinarian
Join Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans as she recounts the life and times of Alf Wight, an unassuming country veterinarian who practiced for 50 years in one of England’s most beautiful places, the Yorkshire Dales. He rose to international fame later in life under the pen name James Herriot as he recounted the heartwarming animal stories and colorful characters of a bygone era, inspiring films and multiple television series. Of the latest TV adaptation of “All Creatures Great and Small,” shown on PBS’ Masterpiece, The Guardian said, “Switching it on was the television equivalent of taking your brain out and dunking it into a bucket of warm tea (Yorkshire, obviously).” Bask in the visual beauty of Claire’s recent Yorkshire Dales visit and learn the surprising story of the vet whose books still entertain millions.
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Peabody Institute Library (MA) on January 12, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Nappanee Public Library (IN) on January 14, 2023 at 2 p.m. Eastern
- LaSalle Public Library (IL) on January 17, 2023 at 6 p.m. Central
- Prospect Heights Public Library (IL) on January 19, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Southbury Public Library (CT) on January 24, 2023 at 2 p.m. Eastern
- Memorial Hall Library (MA) on January 25, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- New Milford Public Library (CT) on January 31, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- New City Library (NY) on Wed., Feb. 1, 2023 at 2 p.m. Eastern
- Joliet Public Library (IL) on Wed., Feb. 1, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Eisenhower Public Library (IL) on Mon., February 6, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Palos Heights Public Library (IL) on Tues., Feb. 7, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Lake Forest Public Library (IL) on February 11, 2023 at 10 a.m. Central
- Peters Township Public Library (PA) on February 13, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Richmond Memorial Library (NY) on February 15, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Oregon Public Library (IL) on Thurs., Feb. 23, 2023 at 6 p.m. Central
- Darien Public Library (CT) on Wed., March 1, 2023 at 7 p.m. Central
- Three Rivers Public Library District (IL) on Thurs., May 4, 2023 at 6 p.m. Central
- S. Whitley Public Library (IN) on Wed., May 31, 2023 at 5:30 Eastern
- Batavia Public Library (IL) on Tues., June 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. Central
- Dexter Public Library (MI) on Wed., July 12, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library on Mon, July 24, 2023 at 6 p.m. Eastern
- Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Chelsea (MI) Public Library on Wed., Sept. 20, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
- Bacon Free Library (MA) on Thurs., Sept. 21, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Freemont Public Library (IL) on Mon., Sept. 25, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Dunlap Public Library District (IL) on Tues., Oct. 24, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. Central
- McHenry Public Library District (IL) on Thurs., Nov. 9, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
In Cod We Trust: A Deep Dive into the History of Fish & Chips
Fish and chips are synonymous with the UK, traditionally a mainstay of the British working-class diet and even used as “code” for sussing out compatriot troops on the beaches of Normandy. Despite its rebranding as distinctly British fare, fried fish was originally introduced to the UK by persecuted immigrant populations. Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans looks at what lies beneath a nostalgic national dish’s contentious international history: from secret fishing grounds, Cod Wars, and overfishing to the difficulty of selling fish in today’s political landscape. Learn how to make sure your fish and chips are sustainably sourced, and how to navigate and appreciate the highlights of a modern “chippy” menu.
Coming virtually to these libraries and civic groups:
- Freemont Public Library (IL) on Wed., Feb. 22, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Winnetka-Northfield Public Library (IL) on Mon., March 20, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
Britain’s Hidden Treasures
During a walk on his family’s farm during COVID lockdowns in 2020, a man noticed unusual pottery shards that ultimately led to the excavation of one of the largest, best preserved Roman villa mosaic floors every found in Europe. Jackpot historical finds aren’t uncommon in Britain thanks to its rich history: Viking hordes, Anglo Saxon treasure, and even King Richard III buried under a city parking lot. Join Anglophile and former U.K. resident Claire Evans as she tours the country’s most interesting archeological finds, and learn tips if you’d like to visit them for yourself one day.
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Torrington (CT) Public Library on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
- Dexter (MI) Public Library on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- New City Library (NY) on Tues., June 13, 2023 at 2 p.m. Eastern
- Lincolnwood (IL) Public Library District on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District (IL) on Wed., Sept. 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- MA Carson Public Library and affiliates and Montcalm Community College on Tues., Sept. 26, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
The Great British Baking Tour (also in Holiday Edition)
Join UK travel/relocation consultant and former UK resident Claire Evans for a delightful culinary tour of the UK inspired by “The Great British Baking Show” television series, aired on PBS and Netflix. Learn about making a proper cup of tea, regional specialties, their origins, and the particular parts of the UK they hail from. She’ll translate the trickiest parts of British recipes for Americans so you can try them in your own kitchen. Pick up useful travel tips as well, just in case you’d like to create your own tour!
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Palos Park (IL) Library on Mon., Jan. 16, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Cary Memorial Library (MA), Belmont Public Library (MA), Canton Public Library (MA), Lincoln Public Library (MA), Wellesley Public Library (MA) on Thurs. Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. Eastern
- Chelsea (MI) District Library on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
- Bartlett (IL) Public Library District on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 at 6 p.m. Central
- Groton (CT) Public Library, Waterford (CT) Public Library, Noank (CT) Public Library, Otis (CT) Public Library on Tues., Feb. 28, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Stair (MI) District Library on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
- Roselle Public Library (IL) on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Bayville (FL) Free Library on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Palatine (IL) Public Library on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Mark Twain Library (CT) on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Lyon (MI) Public Library on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Genesee District Library (MI) on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 6 p.m. Eastern
- Rochester Hills Public Library, E. Lansing Public Library, Troy Public Library, Ransom District Public Library, and Brighton District Library (MI) on Thurs., Sept. 7, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Northville District Library, Plymouth District Library (MI) on Wed., Sept. 27, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
Holiday Edition:
- Monroe County (MI) Library System on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 at 1 p.m. Eastern
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library on Thurs., Dec. 7, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Somers (NY) Library on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Tecumseh District Library, Adrian District Library, and Saline District Library (MI) on Tues., Dec. 12, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
From Uptown Girls to Downton Abbey: How American Gilded Age Heiresses Invaded the British Aristocracy
“Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough, by Carolus Duran” by Snapshooter46 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Long before the British Invasion, the cash-strapped lords, viscounts, and dukes of Great Britain shifted their focus from hunting foxes and pheasants to more lucrative targets: cash-flush Gilded Age American socialites who were willing to trade their family’s money for an ancient title and often a chilly reception in the British aristocracy. Fans of “Downton Abbey” and “The Gilded Age” on television and film will delight as Anglophile and former U.K. resident Claire Evans recounts the tales of some of the famously loaded young Americans who infused bank accounts of many stately homes, including close relatives of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. She’ll also give travel tips if you’d like to create a Gilded Age tour for yourself.
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Bronxville (NY) Public Library on Thurs., Jan. 19, 2023 at 1:30 Eastern
- Wheaton Public Library (IL) on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Case Memorial Library (CT) on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 at 7 p.m. Central
- Suffern Free Library (NY) on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 at 1:30 Eastern
- JCC Chicago on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 1 p.m. Central
- Cook Memorial Library District (IL) on Thursday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. Central
Pottering Around the UK: Real Life Locations from the World of Harry Potter
Travel vicariously as Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans takes you on a historic, scenic, architectural and occasionally culinary tour of Harry Potter’s magical world. From London to Scotland and points in between, admire the amazing real-life locations film scouts picked throughout the best of the British Isles, and get tips if you’d like to visit the sights yourself one day.
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Bristol (IN) Public Library on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 6:30 Eastern
- Syosset (NY) Public Library on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Torrington (CT) Library on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern
- Plainfield (IL) Area Public Library on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. Central
- Roselle Public Library (IL) on Thurs., July 20, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Bristol (IN) Public Library on Sat., July 29, 2023 at 1 p.m. Eastern
- Peters Township Public Library (PA) on Mon., Sept. 18, 2023 at 6:30 Eastern
- Somers (NY) Library on Sat., Oct. 28, 2023 at 1 p.m. Eastern
The Politics of Tea: The East India Company & British Tea Culture
Just in time for the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in 2023! For all its genteel connotations, the history of tea is steeped in espionage, rebellion, and the rise of an Empire. Join Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans to explore the background of the most lucrative corporate venture the world has ever known and the product it brought to the West at any cost. With a nod to the popular “Bridgerton” series, learn how tea infused British society from top to bottom and what to expect should you ever find yourself at afternoon tea.
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- White Oak (IL) District Library, Lockport Branch, on Wed., Feb. 8, 2023 at 6:30 Central
- Somers (NJ) Library on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. Eastern
- Bronxville (NY) Public Library on Thurs., Sept. 14, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern
- Mark Twain Library (CT) on Thurs., Nov. 16, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
From Merlin to Doc Martin: The Best of England’s Dramatic Cornwall
What a shame that tourists who focus on London miss the rugged gem that awaits in Cornwall, England’s far west country bordered by the North Atlantic and the English Channel. Where so much water and land meet has given way to some of the most awesome coastline in the world, and has inspired Celtic legends such as King Arthur at Tintagel Castle. You may have already experienced a slice of Cornwall thanks to shows like PBS’s Doc Martin, and novelists like Daphne Du Maurier (Rebecca, Jamaica Inn), Winston Graham (Poldark series), and Rosamunde Pilcher (The Shell Seekers). Join Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans for a lively discussion about this underappreciated English destination.
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Winnetka Public Library (IL) on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 1 p.m. Central
- Ocean City Free Public Library (NJ) on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Groton Public Library (CT) on Tues., May 30, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Dunlap Public Library District (IL) on Tues., Aug. 8, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. Central
Mary Anning: History’s Greatest Fossilist
In 1799, Mary Anning was born into a humble family in the medieval port of Lyme Regis on the south shore of England, part of its Jurassic Coast. Little did she know she would go on to develop an unmatched eye for finding the undiscovered creatures embedded in 185 million years of geological history in the notoriously unstable cliffs. Completely self-taught, academia came calling to consult and buy her finds as she continued to make discoveries that changed the scientific world, yet she was unacknowledged and uncredited by the scientific community in her own time. Join Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans for a lively talk on “the greatest fossil hunter the world has ever known” and the Jurassic Coast, the UNESCO World Heritage site she was lucky enough to call home.
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Somerset County Library System (NJ) on Wed., March 15, 2023 at 7 p.m. Eastern
- Shorewood-Troy Public Library (IL) on Mon., May 22, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Elmhurst Public Library (IL) on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Peters Township Public Library (PA) on Tues., July 11, 2023 at 6:30 Eastern
Happy Christmas! Celebrating the Holiday, UK Style
Join former UK resident and lifelong Anglophile Claire Evans for a cultural tour of Christmas in Great Britain. She’ll be your culinary travel guide to what special food and drink appears at the holiday table, with authentic recipes to try at home. And it wouldn’t be a British Christmas without pantos, crackers, and the Christmas number one, so she’ll also talk about the traditions and cultural quirks essential to a proper British holiday. You’ll be fully prepared to eat, drink, and be merry, UK-style!
Coming virtually to these libraries:
- Palatine Public Library (IL) on Thurs., Nov. 30, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
- Wheaton Library (IL) on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Central
All Castles, No Hassles: Planning a Stress-Free UK Holiday (on hold per Covid)
Join Anglophile and former UK resident Claire Evans for a slice of Victoria sponge, a proper cup of tea, and a fun discussion about everything you’ve always wanted to know about planning travel to the UK. With exchange rates more favorable to Americans than they have been in years, it’s a great time to venture across the pond. She’ll give tips on transportation, destinations, everyday living, food, accommodation, and culture, with a bit of humour for good measure.