THE COMPELLING STORY IS AT LAST REVEALED!
Finding Kate
The Unlikely Journey of 20th Century
Healthcare Advocate Kate Macy Ladd
By Meryl Carmel
While the Gilded Age is dominated by figures such as Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Vanderbilt, their wives and daughters often lived behind closed curtains, staying well out of public view everywhere but the society pages.
Standard Oil heiress Kate Macy Ladd seems, on the surface, to have followed in this tradition. But a deeper look at her life reveals a woman who was fiercely committed to the welfare of ordinary people, and who ultimately became a medical philanthropist with her creation of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation. This organization is well-known today for its commitment to improving the education of healthcare professionals.
Spanning two centuries and based on her bare-bones memoir as well as family diaries, letters, and reminiscences, Finding Kate: The Unlikely Journey of 20th Century Healthcare Advocate Kate Macy Ladd reveals one woman’s life of faith, charity, and resilience.
$14.95
RECENT BOOK HAPPENINGS
In 2019 the author presented programs at the following venues
Princeton Public Library, Local Author Day, Princeton, NJ
Clarence Dillon Public Library, Bedminster, NJ
Junior League of Morristown, Morristown, NJ
Chester Historical Society & Chester Public Library, Chester, NJ
St Bernards Episcopal Church, Bernardsville, NJ
Natirar Mansion House, Far Hills NJ
Somerset County Park Rangers, Far Hills, NJ
Randolph Arts in the Park, Randolph, NJ
Chester Lioness Club, Chester, NJ
Randolph Public Library, Randolph, NJ
Brookside Library, Brookside, NJ
Peapack-Gladstone Public Library, Peapack, NJ
The Women’s Forum, Clarence Dillon Library, Bedminster, NJ
Grace Lutheran Church, Mendham, NJ
JCC METROWEST, East Hanover, NJ
Watch this space for further information about Meryl’s upcoming 2020 program schedule
The author welcomes the opportunity to meet and discuss “Finding Kate” at local events including book groups and private coffees or teas. To create your own book happening contact her at [email protected]
Bernardsville Library, Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m. 1 Anderson Hill Road, Bernardsville, N.J.
Join Meryl for a lecture & book signing and learn more about Kate’s early family life, life at Natirar with her husband, Walter Graeme Ladd, and her role as a healthcare advocate. The inspiring story of Kate Macy Ladd is told through an informative Power Point lecture illustrated with more than sixty slides, featuring family photographs, many well over a century old, from private collections. Please RSVP by calling 908-766-0118 or visit www.bernardsvillelibrary.org
Sunday, April 28, 3-5 p.m. St. Bernard’s Church, 88 Claremont Rd. Bernardsville, NJ
Join Meryl for a lecture, book signing, and a reception. Her presentation touches upon Kate’s early family life, life at Natirar with her husband, St. Bernard’s parishioner Walter Graeme Ladd, and her role as a healthcare advocate. The talk will take place in St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church surrounded by stained glass windows donated by the Ladds. “Finding Kate” is told through an informative Power Point lecture illustrated with more than fifty slides, featuring family photographs, many well over a century old, from private collections. Please RSVP by April 25th by calling 908-766-0602 or email [email protected]
Coming this spring, Sunday afternoons in the mansion house and grounds at Natirar!
Meryl and fellow historian Barry Thomson will share the storied history of Natirar and local estate homes in a special three part series. Feel free to select from the following programs:
Program 1: A Closer Look at the Life of Kate Macy Ladd
Sunday, May 5th 3-4:30 p.m.
Take advantage of the unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the ambiance of Kate’s Natirar mansion house, as Meryl reveals her story through an image rich lecture and conversation about the original owners of Natirar.
Program 2: A Peek Behind the Scenes at Natirar
Sunday, June 2nd 3-4:30 p.m.
Join Meryl and Barry for a walking tour and inside look at Natirar, enhanced through a lecture about the lives of Kate and Walter Graeme Ladd and their magnificent property.
Program 3: Introducing Great Country Estates of the Somerset Hills
Sunday, June 30th 3-4:30 p.m.
Barry Thomson will present an illustrated talk about the great country estates that were built in the Somerset Hills during the “Country House Era”… the decades from the 1870s to the start of World War II.
Meryl and Barry will be available for book signings following each event.
Individual event tickets are $40 per person plus tax.
A three program package is available for $100 per person plus tax.
To register call Natirar at 908-901-4701 or register on-line at www.natirar.com
Wednesday, March 27, noon. Clarence Dillon Public Library, 2336 Lamington Rd., Bedminster, NJ
Join Meryl for a behind the scenes book talk and signing at the Friends Café. Macy and Ladd family photos and memorabilia will be on display to better acquaint you with Kate Macy Ladd and the inspiring story of her life. The author will also share her intriguing personal journey “Finding Kate.”
Sunday, March 31, 2-4 p.m. Chester Public Library, 250 W. Main St. Chester, NJ
Say farewell to Women’s History Month with a lecture, book signing, and tea sponsored by the Chester Historical Society. This presentation touches upon Kate’s family and Quaker heritage, her years in New York City during the latter decades of the 19th century, and her life at Natirar with Walter Graeme Ladd her husband of almost fifty years. “Finding Kate” is told through an informative Power Point lecture illustrated with more than fifty slides, featuring family photographs, many well over a century old, from private collections. To register call the Chester Library at 908-879-7612.
Coming this spring, Sunday afternoons in the mansion house and grounds at Natirar!
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the ambiance of Kate’s Natirar mansion house, as Meryl reveals her story through an image rich lecture and conversation.
A lecture, walking tour, and inside peek at Natirar presented by Meryl and local historian and author Barry Thomson. They will share insights about the Ladds and Natirar and the significance of their magnificent property.
Stay tuned for further details and ticketing information.