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Diana of the Dunes Available at the History Museum

July 07, 2010

Diana of the Dunes: The True Story of Alice Gray, a new work of non-fiction detailing the life of one of Northwest Indiana’s most interesting residents, will go on sale at the Westchester Township History Museum beginning July 14. The museum, which is an educational and cultural service of Westchester Public Library, is open free of charge 1 – 5 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday. The museum is located in the historic Brown Mansion at 700 W. Porter Ave., Chesterton.

The new book, which will be sold at $19.99,  was written by Janet Edwards of Beverly Shores, IN  and St. Louis, MO. Edwards spent the past ten years conducting extensive research into the life of Alice Gray and her family, uncovering many primary sources not previously discovered. She conducted much of her research at Westchester Township History Museum with the assistance of museum researcher Eva Hopkins.

In her book, Janet Edwards examines the many legends and myths that have grown up about the woman who was dubbed “Diana of the Dunes” by the newspapers of her time. In so doing, she presents for the first time a well documented and authoritative account of Alice Gray’s fascinating journey from Phi Beta Kappa scholar at the University of Chicago to solitary recluse living in the remote sand dunes of Northwest Indiana in the early part of the 20^th century.

On July 31, from 1 – 5 p.m., the Westchester Township History Museum will host a book launch for Janet Edwards’ new book.  The author will visit the museum from 1 – 5 p.m. and will available to autograph books and talk informally with visitors about her research. Refreshments will be served and those who attend will also be invited to view the museum’s two summer exhibits, “The Lost Tourist Attractions of the Dunes” and “ The Magic of Chesterton: A Mural by Jeff Hagan.”

For more information call 983-9715.