Today@Sam Article

Museum To Host Book Signing With SHSU Professor

Oct. 26, 2022
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library will host a book signing with Robert Stretcher (R. Hatfield), author of “A Fortnight with Ben”, on Nov. 3.

A seemingly normal wilderness retreat along the Appalachian Trail suddenly becomes a journey of intrigue and discovery when a severe thunderstorm introduces Sam Fletcher to the great historical figure, Benjamin Franklin, in a story rich with history. Stretcher’s book ties in the development of the United States, Sam Houston and how Texas was settled. 

“The idea came from a conversation I had with a colleague and a comment that was made, ‘Ben Franklin would turn over in his grave.' That got me to thinking, why don’t we make Ben turn over in his grave? Let’s wake him up and place him in modern life and see how his highly informed viewpoints would fit into modern society," Stretcher said. 

“A Fortnight with Ben” is a book for teenagers to senior citizens, history buffs and hikers.

“I really wrote it to be an enjoyable read for just about anybody,” Stretcher said. “Scientific, artistic, political and social aspects of modern life are explored while Ben Franklin’s views, positions and personality are brought to life.”

Stretcher is a professor of finance in the College of Business Administration at SHSU. His academic career spans almost 40 years, with a 20-year tenure at SHSU pursuing teaching excellence, academic research and service to the university and profession.

Stretcher recently expanded his writing interest into novels under the pen name Robert Hatfield, which distinguishes that writing style from his academic research.

The book signing will take place in the museum’s rotunda Nov. 3 from 2:30-3:30 p.m.  Books will be available for purchase during the event for $14.95 plus tax.  Cash, check or credit card will be accepted.  The museum is located at 1836 Sam Houston Avenue in Huntsville.  For more information about the book signing, contact Megan Buro, museum marketing manager, at 936.294.3839, or email mlb044@shsu.edu. 

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