The public is invited to join friends and members of the Oconee Bell Chapter at the Cashiers library meeting room to learn the intrigue of an error corrected in telling the history of Andre Michaux and his discovery of the Oconee Bell, Shortia galacifolia, “The most interesting plant in America”. The account that appears in most published books and articles is simply wrong. Please sign up to attend this free event by clicking on the “Register” link below.

WHEN: June 30, Tuesday, 5:00-7:00 PM

WHAT: André Michaux (1746–1802) was a pioneering French botanist who traveled extensively across North America from 1785 to 1796, collecting thousands of plants for French royal gardens. Based first in New Jersey and later in Charleston, South Carolina, he explored as far north as Hudson Bay, south to Florida, and west to the Mississippi River, mapping many unknown species including the Oconee Bell, Shortia galacifolia. We will learn about these travels from NC Native Plant Society member, Charlie Williams, who was featured in SMITHSONIAN magazine! We know him as a long-time volunteer at the James Matthews Mecklenburg County Herbarium, former Mecklenburg County librarian, author and Andre Michaux actor. An expert on Michaux’s travels, Charlie is the editor of André Michaux in North America: Journals and Letters, 1785–1797. He will tell us all about Michaux and his travels

PRESENTER: Charlie Williams, librarian, historian and Michaux scholar.

WHERE: The Albert-Carlton Cashiers Community Library, 249 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717