Ray and Pam Bruzan will have a program and a book signing for Ray’s book, “Have Violin, Will Travel — The Louis Persinger Story,” on Aug. 1 at the Salem Public Library, 212 N. Main St., Salem.

The event is free and open to the public with a book signing at 4:30 p.m., followed by a program at 5:30 p.m.

The Bruzans reside in Rochester, Illinois, the birthplace of Louis Persinger.

“Pam and I continue to provide PowerPoint programs with a book signing,” Bruzan said. “On July 29, we will be making a presentation in Oberlin, Ohio, and arrive at Salem on Aug. 1 at the Salem Public Library.”

Having researched and authored seven books based on the history of Rochester Township, Ray and Pam have contributed to the study of Sangamon County, Illinois.

Ray spent his formative years in southern Illinois. His college degrees led him to a 42-year teaching career, including his last five as a chemistry professor at Benedictine University. Among his numerous teaching awards, Ray was recognized as the 1990 Teacher of the Year for Springfield School District 186.

Pam, a Syracuse University graduate, is a transplant to the Midwest from upstate New York. She was a reporter for the Illinois State Register and later established Sangamon Valley Writing Associates, through which she served as a marketing coordinator for civil engineering firms throughout the state.

Based on their research and writing of Rochester’s history, the Bruzans have been recognized by the Rochester Historical Preservation Society and earned awards of excellence from the Illinois State Historical Society.

For information about the book signing event and presentation, contact Jill DuChemin at 812-883-5600 or email her at [email protected].

Bruzan may be contacted by phone at 217-498-7325 or by email at [email protected].