Series features virtual evening with author Diana Gabaldon
Fàilte! Wake County Public Libraries is whisking fans through the standing stones this fall with Outlander: Highlands to Carolina, a free, virtual program series exploring the lore, landscapes and legends behind Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling books and the hit TV show.
From the rugged Scottish Highlands to Colonial North Carolina, this lineup of historians, authors, photographers—and even a cast member—will reveal the real-life stories that inspired the sweeping saga. The series kicks off Oct. 28 and runs through Dec. 4, culminating with a virtual evening with Diana Gabaldon herself.
“This series shows how creative programming can inspire and connect our community,” said Commissioner Shinica Thomas. “By blending history, literature and the arts, Wake County Public Libraries is giving fans a chance to explore and engage with the world of Outlander in new ways.”
Programs are free, but registration is required. Visit guides.wake.gov/outlander to reserve your spot at the virtual events below.
Fraser's Footsteps: A Virtual Carolina Tour
Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 7 p.m.
Travel along with Dawn Woo of Outlander NC on an Outlander-inspired journey through historic North Carolina. Follow in Fraser's footsteps and explore real locations and events from Diana Gabaldon’s beloved series, from the Cape Fear River to the mountain ridges.
Outlander's North Carolina: Where Fiction Meets History
Thursday, Oct. 30 | 7 p.m.
Journey back in time with historian and storyteller Hunter Ingram from the Burgwin-Wright House in Wilmington. Unpack the fact laced within the fiction, and discover the true historical backbone of the sweeping epic.
The Doctor is in ... the 1700s: Claire Fraser and Colonial Healing
Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 7 p.m.
Discover how Claire Fraser’s fictional medical skills stack up against real Colonial-era practices. Join Charles Brett, a volunteer medical interpreter at Tryon Palace, as he explores 18th-century battlefield medicine, surgery and home remedies. Learn which historical treatments shaped modern medicine — and which were left behind.
Scotland Through the Lens: Travel Photography with Jenny Nordstrom
Monday, Nov. 17 | 7 p.m.
Professional photographer Jenny Nordstrom showcases photos from her recent journey through Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes. She’ll offer an inside look at her creative process, capturing the timeless beauty of Scotland’s cities, countryside and Highlands.
Outlander Kitchen: A Culinary Journey Through Time
Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 7 p.m.
Professional chef Theresa Carle-Sanders, author and creator of outlanderkitchen.com, shares stories of her 15+ years creating hundreds of dishes and two cookbooks inspired by the series.
Andy the Highlander: A Journey Through Scotland's Outlander
Saturday, Nov. 22 | 10 a.m.
Journey through the Scottish Highlands with Andrew McAlindon, aka Andy the Highlander. Tour guide, Outlander actor and author of “Lochs and Legends,” McAlindon will share stories from his book, behind-the-scenes insights from the show and the iconic locations featured in the book and TV series.
Saltwater Scoundrels: Pirates and Privateers on the High Seas
Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 7 p.m.
Set sail with author and historian Dr. Rebecca Simon on a journey through the real history behind Outlander’s high-seas adventures. Discover how pirates like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet shaped North Carolina's history, and find out how Outlander blends nautical history with fictional characters like Stephen Bonnet into its dramatic narrative.
An Evening with Outlander Author Diana Gabaldon
Thursday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m.
Finale event! Spend an engaging evening with Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of the Outlander series. She’ll share insights into her writing process and recount stories from her remarkable career as a writer.
Get more details, including Outlander-inspired reading lists and crafts, at guides.wake.gov/outlander.
