Photography Book Talk about Pelicans of Star Island

Local author, Jennifer Moore, and photojournalist, Anna Solo, will talk about their newly released book depicting the seasonal workers on Star Island at the Dover Public Library on Tuesday, November 19th at 6:30 PM. Copies of the book will be for sale following the talk. 

As a visitor to Star Island, Jennifer Moore has long been fascinated by the staff who work behind the scenes to make Star Island a relaxing and memorable experience.  Moore and Solo collaborated on the project. The book is called “Pelicans: Seasonal Workers of Star Island,” and offers an intimate look into this unique island way of life.

Moore, a blogger known locally for sustainable events like the Portsmouth Public Library’s Clothing Swap and Project Upcycle, often encountered confusion when describing the project; “People would give me a quizzical look and eventually ask some version of, ‘There are pelicans on Star Island?’ At that point I explain that I’m not talking about birds and that “Pelicans” is the nickname for the seasonal workers on Star. My hope is that this book will make readers more aware and curious about Star Island and the Pelican community.”

Together, Moore and Solo shadowed the Pelicans over the summer of 2018, as they worked in the historic grand hotel, The Oceanic, and on the grounds of the small and rugged island. “Pelicans” offers a condensed history of the Isles of Shoals with specific focus given to Star Island. The photography is organized into three sections; On Duty, Off Duty, and End of Season. Matt Ralph at Plainspoke provided graphic design, while artwork and maps were drawn by illustrator Elizabeth DeJure Wood. 

Says Solo, “Observing and capturing the way Pels live, work, and unwind in this unique and beautiful pocket off the coast of New Hampshire was one of the most engaging and fulfilling projects I’ve ever had the privilege of working on. Everyone was so open and willing to share their stories, and I’m grateful that I was able to help tell them. The commute wasn’t half bad, either!”

Anna Solo graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in photojournalism. Originally from New York City, she currently lives in Portsmouth, NH, working on stories about the people and places of New England. Jennifer Moore was born and raised in New Hampshire and grew up sailing off the coast of New England. In addition to working at the local public library, Jennifer maintains a blog called Recovergirl, where she celebrates sustainable style. 

Says Moore, “I carried the idea of this book around for years. It’s such a great feeling to see it finally become a reality.”         

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call the Library at 603-516-6050. Library hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-8:30pm, Friday 9am-5:30pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm and Sundays 1pm-5pm.