The Germantown Library, located at 19840 Century Blvd., will host historian and author Susan Cooke Soderberg on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 4:30pm to 5:45pm as part of its History Conversations series. Soderberg will discuss her latest book, “My Name Is Not Tom”: The Life of Reverend Josiah Henson.
The book explores the life of Reverend Josiah Henson and addresses the long-standing misconception that he served as the direct inspiration for the fictional character “Uncle Tom.” Event information notes that Henson worked later in life to correct this belief, which had been promoted by publishers marketing his autobiographies.
Soderberg’s presentation is based on ten years of research into Henson’s life and introduces findings that differ from previous biographies.
Attendees who need accommodations are asked to contact the library at 240-777-0110 at least five days in advance. Additional information about Montgomery County Public Libraries is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.
