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Local Author Talk

Rikki Lyn Hauss

Local Hillsborough author, Rikki Lyn Hauss, discusses her award-nominated book "The Duchess of South Somerville," chronicling the legacy of Doris Duke and the demolition of her beloved mansion.

Rikki Lyn Hauss’s “The Duchess of South Somerville” recounts the life and legacy of Doris Duke and the controversy leading up to the demolition of her beloved mansion. Inspired by her membership in the DORIS group (Destruction of Residence is Senseless) –  a grassroots group of historic preservationists, Hauss devoted herself to the history of the Dukes through writing this book. “The Duchess of South Somerville” has been nominated for Independent Publisher’s Book Awards in three categories-  Nonfiction; Autobiography/Memoir II; and Regional Mid-Atlantic of the Year.

Join us as Hauss discusses her writing journey, the events leading up to the demolition of the Duke mansion, and how Doris Duke continues to impact lives today.

The discussion is followed by a Q&A session and book signing. “The Duchess of South Somerville” will be available for cash purchase.

Will you need a special accommodation (including food allergy if applicable to the program)? If so, please contact the library and provide at least two weeks notice prior to the event date and the library will make every effort to honor all requests. Thereafter, requests will still be considered and may have less of a chance of being honored.  

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