From the time Mel Allen published his first story in Yankee in 1979 to the day he retired in 2025 as the fifth editor in the magazine’s storied 90-year history, his work – both as editor and author – has captured New England’s unique sense of place and the people who call it home.

His new collection tells stories of people overcoming obstacles, helping neighbors, and pulling together as a community when all seems lost, conveying a common humanity that has always been part of our landscape. Join Mel for a night of stories you won’t want to miss!

7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Harris Center. Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information, including questions about accessibility, contact Susie Spikol.

Co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Conservation Education and the Hancock Town Library.

About Mel

Mel Allen taught fourth grade in Maine for three years and believes that his education as a writer began when he had to hold the attention of 27 children through months of Maine winters. From his first two stories in Yankee’s December 1977 issue to a January day in 2025 when he closed his office door for the last time, he spent nearly half a century finding people and places whose stories he wanted to know and assigning countless others to the finest writers in New England. He became Yankee’s fifth editor in the summer of 2006, after previous roles as senior editor and executive editor. In 2018, he was inducted into the Folio Magazine Hall of Fame for editorial excellence. Mel has taught magazine writing and creative nonfiction for the past 25 years. His previous book is A Coach’s Letter to His Son. He lives and writes in New Hampshire.

(Photo by Jarrod McCabe)