June 6 at 1 p.m. — GRANVILLE, New York — On Sunday, June 6, the 77th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, the Slate Valley Museum will welcome author Kevin Wilson to discuss, explore, and share his 2020 World War II novel, “Sully’s Squad.”
Salvatore “Sully” Fringi
Sully’s Squad is a young adult historical fiction novel about the Second World War, told through the eyes of 15-year-old Arty from Saratoga, who lies about his age to enlist in the military. The story is inspired by the author’s uncle, Salvatore “Sully” Fringi, from Granville, who served in the 1st Infantry Division in North Africa and Sicily.
“We are excited to offer this program as a way to explore and consider some powerful pieces of our region’s history,” notes the museum’s interim director Sarah Kijowski. “Kevin’s novel is based on his family’s history, which more broadly includes immigrants and slate workers. Through stories like this, we can delve a little more into the bigger human picture, to consider how large events like a major global war were experienced on the home front and on the front lines.”
Wilson, the author, grew up in both Granville and Saratoga. He graduated from Siena College and is a healthcare administrator with a certified public accountant designation. He still resides in the Capital District and enjoys telling stories about World War II.
“My initial plan was to hold author events on key commemorative military dates like Memorial Day, Normandy Invasion Day, Armed Forces Day, and Veterans’ Day,” explains Wilson. “Things were a bit derailed by the Covid pandemic, but I’m really grateful for the opportunity to hold this event at the Slate Valley Museum on Normandy Invasion Day.”
Signed copies of the book will be available to purchase at the program, cash sales only. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the museum. The book is also available at Hicks Orchard, Northshire Books, Little Book House, Market Place Books, and online on Amazon.com via their Kindle platform.
The program will take place on Sunday, June 6 at 1 p.m. It will be offered both in-person at the museum and streamed live.
The price for in-person attendance is $10, or free for museum members. Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited. Those who wish to attend can RSVP by calling 518-642-1417 or by emailing associate@slatevalleymuseum.org. Program attendees should come prepared to wear masks.
The program will be streamed live online for free to all. Pre-registration information for the Zoom-based event will be available SlateValleyMuseum.org and on Facebook.
Those looking for more information about author Kevin Wilson can contact him directly at 518-505-3108 or kjwilso@yahoo,com.
The Slate Valley Museum is located at 17 Water St. in Granville, New York. More information is available on its website, SlateValleyMuseum.org.
