Join us in the Cook Memorial Theater on Thursday, March 21 for the first in event in 2024 in the Whaling Museum’s annual Sailors’ Series, as we hear from Author and Sailor, Steve Dahill. Dahill, who resides in Marion and Boston, Massachusetts overlooking Boston Harbor and the USS Constitution, will discuss his family’s connection to the Father of the United States Navy, and his lifelong love of sailing, especially over thirty years sailing and racing in Buzzards Bay.

Dahill captures that personal sailing experience in the narrative of his books to share the essence, the beauty and the dangers offshore on a ship – experiences every whaler must have faced.

Dahill is a direct descendant of the privateer brother of Revolutionary War hero John Barry cited as the Father of the United States Navy. He is also a direct descendant of revered Irish rebels hanged by the British during 1798 uprising.

Dahill authored the Age of Sail historical fiction trilogy that explores the violent adventures of 19th-century American smugglers, privateers, slave traders, and clipper ship captains. After a career as an executive in the software industry, Dahill sails his family’s racing sailboat, Riva, along the Southern New England coast, crewed by his wife and three daughters. Readers will find strong female protagonists throughout Dahill’s Age of Sail trilogy wherein New England’s leading families vie for dominance in the exploding 19th-century American seafaring economy. Secrets of the Mary Celeste (2023), his debut novel, is followed by Clipper Wars (2024) and Privateer published by JumpMaster Press. Steve Dahill also delivers an engaging interview and lively presentation whether in person or Zoom. The author has most recently lectured at Beverly Yacht Club, The Sippican Historical Society, Hull Lifesaving Museum, and other Northeastern Corridor locations.

Doors open at 5:30pm and program begins at 6:00pm. A brief reception will follow in the Jacobs Family Gallery with complimentary lite bites and cash bar.