Local author Sean T. Posey will sign copies and speak about his new book, “Historic Theaters of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley,” from 5:30-8 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 21 at Barnes & Noble in Boardman.
The book-launch party will mark the History Press’ newest release and is part of the Charleston, S.C.-based publisher’s Landmarks Series.
The 160-page book contains 59 black-and-white images and retails for $21.99.
“Historic Theaters of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley” traces the evolution of modern cinema through the rich local history of the Mahoning Valley.
The book takes a trip back to the Park Burlesque and the opulent Palace Theater and revisits the theater culture of Warren and Trumbull County.
It includes key figures like the Warner brothers, who began their movie careers in Youngstown and opened their first theater in New Castle, Pa. The book contains separate chapters on the Warners and Youngstown’s former Warner Theater, now Edward J. Powers Auditorium.
In addition, the story of the professional career of Peter Wellman, the Mahoning Valley’s leading theater entrepreneur and owner of Girard’s movie houses, is told for the first time. The book also covers the Mahoning Valley’s nine drive-in theaters.
About the author: Sean T. Posey is a Youngstown-based journalist, author and historian. His first book, “Lost Youngstown,” was published by the History Press in 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and a master’s degree in history from Youngstown State University. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, including Citylab, Salon and Bill Moyers and Company, as well as in the books “Car Bombs to Cookie Tables: The Youngstown Anthology” and the “Pittsburgh Anthology,” both by Belt Publishing. The History Press published Posey’s first book, “Lost Youngstown,” in 2016.
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