How to Book a NYC History Speaker for Your Library or Historical Society

Peggy Gavan offers one-hour NYC animal history presentations for libraries, historical societies, and community organizations. Virtual and in-person available.

If you run programs for a library, historical society, or community organization, finding a speaker who can hold a room on local history — without slides full of dates and dry facts — is harder than it sounds.

Peggy Gavan has been doing it for over a decade. She is the author of The Cat Men of Gotham (Rutgers University Press) and The Bravest Pets of Gotham, a licensed New York City tour guide, and the creator of the Hatching Cat archive, which documents animal stories from 19th and early 20th century New York newspapers.

Her presentations draw on primary sources — actual newspaper accounts, photographs, and records — and are built around storytelling, not lecture. Audiences at the Center for Brooklyn History, the Greater Astoria Historical Society, and the New York Adventure Club have described them as the best event their organization has hosted.

She offers ten prepared programs covering topics from seafaring cats to feminist history to FDNY mascots. Virtual events are available nationwide. In-person presentations are available in the New York City metro area, including northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley. Custom programs can be developed around your borough, your audience, or a specific theme.

To request availability and rates, use the inquiry form on our speaking page.