DOVER- Bartleby’s Books is hosting Vermont author Cynthia Bittinger for a reading of her new book, “Vermont Women, Native Americans, and African Americans: Out of the Shadows of History” on Saturday, August 4, at 6 pm. This will be a unique opportunity to delve into parts of Vermont’s history that are often overlooked.

Vermont’s constitution, drafted in 1777, was one of the most enlightened documents of its time, but in contrast, the history of Vermont has largely been told through the stories of influential white men. Bittinger’s book takes a fresh look at Vermont’s history, uncovering hidden stories, from the earliest inhabitants to present-day citizens striving to overcome adversity and be advocates for change. Native Americans struggled to maintain an identity in the state while their land and rights were disappearing. Lucy Terry Prince was the first female African American poet, who rose above racism to argue her case before Vermont’s governor and won. Educator and historian Cynthia Bittinger unearths these and other inspirational stories of the contributions of women, Native Americans, and African Americans to Vermont’s history.

Bittinger is a professor of history at the Community College of Vermont and the Lifelong Learning Institute of the University of Vermont. She was appointed to the Center for Research on Vermont at the University of Vermont. She is also a founding member of the Vermont Women’s History Project at the Vermont Historical Society. Her commentary series on Vermont history is broadcast on Vermont Public Radio . She was the executive director of the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation in Plymouth, for 18 years and wrote “Grace Coolidge, Sudden Star” about Vermont-born Grace Goodhue Coolidge, first lady from 1923-1929.

Meet the author at Bartleby’s and enjoy an evening of reading and conversation. The event is free and open to the public. The reading begins at 6 pm on Saturday, August 4. Bartleby’s Books is located at 17 West Main Street. For questions or to reserve a copy of the book call (802) 464-5425, email bartbook@sover.net or visit Bartleby’s online at myvermontbookstore.com.