MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Ellen Klages (rhymes with stages) will appear at Gibson Museum in Middletown on Sunday, July 24, at the museum’s monthly Fireside Chat.

Klages will present some of the intriguing history of south Lake County she dug out while researching her book “Harbin Hot Springs: Healing Waters Sacred Land.”

Her talk and slideshow will focus on local history before the time the Heart Consciousness Church took over the resort property 40 years ago.

She is known as a writer who delves deeply into her subject, and has won a variety of awards and honors.

Klages, who lives in San Francisco, is most noted for science, science fiction and historical fiction writing.

Her novelette “Basement Magic” won the 2005 Nebula Award for Best Novelette.

Her first novel and probably her most widely known work, “The Green Glass Sea,” was published in 2006 and won the 2007 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

Klages is also known for stand-up comedy and likewise as an entertaining auctioneer for fundraisers.

All of which suggests that visitors to the Fireside Chat will surely enjoy the experience.

The program begins at 3 p.m. at the museum, 21267 Calistoga St. – across the highway from the Middletown Community Center.

There is no admission fee, although donations to help fund operation of the museum, are welcomed.

Refreshments will be served before the question period.

For further information, call Nina Bouska at 707-987-2349.