Historian Donald Ritchie to discuss new Johnson-era book Oct. 10

Donald A. Ritchie, historian emeritus of the United States Senate, will join the Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books for a discussion and signing of his new book, “Washington’s Iron Butterfly,” at 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, at the library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. Ritchie will be in conversation with Laurie S. Fulton, former U.S. ambassador to Denmark.

The event will also stream live online via Zoom.

“Washington's Iron Butterfly” explores the life and accomplishments of Elizabeth “Bess” Clements Abell, the White House social secretary to Lyndon B. Johnson. Abell’s Secret Service code name, "Iron Butterfly," exemplified her graceful but firm management of social life in the Johnson White House. Focusing on her years working for the Johnson campaign and her time in the White House, Ritchie’s engaging oral history provides a window into Abell's life as well as an insider's view of the nation's capital during the tumultuous 1960s.

The event is free, and registration is required. To sign up, go to tinyurl.com/zoomwithauthors or call 302-645-2733. At registration, participants will be asked to select in-person or online attendance.

Ritchie is the author of a number of books, including “Electing FDR: The New Deal Campaign of 1932” and “Press Gallery: Congress and the Washington Correspondents.” Ritchie conducted oral history interviews with former senators and retired members of the Senate staff as part of the Senate oral history project, and he also edited the transcripts of Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy's investigations.

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.