Every book I write is a journey with lots of research -and loads of alone time. It wasn’t until I had written my fourth book (Discovering Vintage Boston) that it occurred to me to have a book launch party to celebrate the end of months of self-imposed exile. I’m food and wine obsessed anyway- so hosting a party is actually my idea of fun.  And I’ve since discovered that book launch parties are a great way to help with marketing and promotion- before the event and for many weeks after.

For No Access Boston, the Waterworks Museum was a natural choice to host the book launch. The museum really represents what No Access Boston is all about. It’s a small museum that is out-of -the way and focuses on a very specific collection. In this case, three historic steam-powered water pumping engines.

I think that the story of the Waterworks Museum turned out to be one of the best in the book. It is also one of the longest sections – with nearly 1000 words. My interview with the museum’s Director, Eric Peterson, gave me a wealth of information about the building’s architecture,  engineering, and the public drinking water system in 19th century Boston. Linda Rosenthal, a resident of the Waterworks Condominium Complex, provided some spectacular photos to go along with the story.

We were a crowd ! I think that nearly 80 people showed up- including my husband, my 26- and 28-year-old sons, Mom friends,  many of my neighbors, old college friends,  new friends, book club friends,  residents of the Waterworks Condominiums and a good number of engineering professors from Wentworth and Northeastern. For nearly everyone,  this was their first time visiting the Waterworks Museum.  I can’t thank everyone enough for coming and supporting me.

Book launches are a bit formulaic: author talks, author sells and signs books. There is usually crudités, cookies and water.  I knew that the Great Engines Hall  would offer a unique back drop for this book talk- and we would have access to the entire museum during the event.  That the timing  of the evening coincided with a glorious sunset over the Chestnut Hill Reservoir on a perfect early summer day was a bonus!

Greatly contributing to the success of the book launch was the food by Season To Taste Catering , wine and beer by Gordon’s Wine  and bar tending by Premier Bartending & Catering (shout-out to Jean for his excellent service!).  Everything was coordinated by the Waterworks’s Event Manager Rebecca Lawyer. I can’t say enough about how seamlessly everything – from table arranging , to food delivery to the AV set -up went together. The Waterworks Museum arranged for parking guidance and had their very best docent volunteers on hand to answer guest’s (many!) questions.