Jackson, WY — Residents who love a good ghost story and a deeper look at America’s past have a free opportunity next week. Historian and writer Betsy Gaines Quammen will present her latest work, This Haunted Land: Reckoning with Ghosts and the Stories That Shape America, at the Teton County Library (TCL) in Jackson.

Event details

The author talk begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, in the library’s Ordway Auditorium. After the discussion, Quammen will sign copies of her book for attendees. A second, shorter session will run from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the TCL Alta Branch.

What the book covers

According to publisher Torrey House Press, This Haunted Land takes readers on a “supernatural road trip” across the United States. Quammen visits an Underground Railroad site in Ohio, the swamps of Arkansas, and explores haunted towns and abandoned places in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. By following ghosts and their stories, she aims to uncover the cultural and sociological backstories that shape the nation.

Author’s perspective

In the press release Quammen said, “At a time when the powers that be are trying to erase history, it’s never been more important to listen to our ghosts. This is a book of supernatural tales and their cultural and sociological backstories. It looks at America as a haunted land and seeks to hear out and reckon with our buried past.”

About the author

Quammen lives with her spouse, David Quammen, in Bozeman, Montana. She earned a doctorate in history from Montana State University, a master’s in environmental studies from the University of Montana, and a bachelor’s in English from Colorado College. Her scholarship often examines the intersections of extremism, public lands, wildlife and western communities. Previous titles include American Zion and True West.

Library’s endorsement

Leah Shlachter, TCL’s Adult Program Coordinator, praised the upcoming talk: “Betsy is an equally engaging speaker and writer. She chooses topics that grab our attention, then her research and prose complete the narrative circle — and how can ghost stories in the American West not be riveting?”

Why it matters locally

The event offers Jackson residents a chance to connect with regional history through a unique lens. By highlighting stories from nearby Wyoming and the broader West, Quammen’s talk underscores the value of preserving local heritage and encourages community members to explore the hidden narratives that shape their own surroundings.

Practical information

• Location: Teton County Library, Ordway Auditorium, Jackson, WY
• Date & Time: Mon, Nov 9 – 6 p.m.; Tue, Nov 10 – 5‑6 p.m. (Alta Branch)
• Cost: Free
• Additional: Books will be available for purchase; author signing follows each session

For more details, visit the Teton County Library website or call the library directly.

Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.