In her new book, A Death Decoded: Robert Kennicott and the Alaska Telegraph, Sandra Schlachtmeyer brings a local legend to life.

The book, based on Glenview native son and 19th century naturalist and explorer Robert Kennicott, reveals the causes of his sudden death as documented in a 2001 forensic autopsy by Smithsonian scientists.

This Friday, The Grove National Historical Landmark, where Kennicott's home and archives are preserved, will present signed copies of the book to the new Genealogy and Local History Room of the Glenview Public Library.

Library Director Vickie L. Novak will accept the book donation as an addition to the library's expanded collection of historical resources, according to a Park District press release. Novak will also be available to answer questions about the collections housed in the library's new Genealogy and Local History Room.

"The whole history is fascinating," she said. "We in Glenview have been following it [the mystery of Kennicott's death]. We are thrilled to be one of the first recipients of the newly published book on this locally prominent family and are happy to add it to our new Genealogy and Local History Room."

The library's new Genealogy and Local History room, which opened Oct. 9, houses general genealogy reference books, magazines, microfilm and other local history items. Among the oldest pieces in the library's collection, The Gazetteer of the State of New York, is part of the Lundberg Genealogy collection.

"To welcome our Park District colleagues to the Glenview Public Library's new Genealogy and Local History Room is a very special way to continue introducing our community to the many new resources offered by the new Library," said library communications director Jennifer S. Black.

And there's more.

On Nov. 14th, The Grove (1421 Milwaukee Avenue) will host Schlachtmeyer from 2-4 p.m. when she will sign copies of her book during the historic landmark's annual Arts & Craft Faire. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the discounted price of $14.95.

"Sandra [Schlachtmeyer] was involved in the beginning with the autopsy of Robert Kennicott's remains," said Steve Swanson, director of The Grove. "She conducted a tremendous amount of research on Kennicott's life and was able to marry the historical details of his life with the modern forensics. "

To read more about Robert Kennicott's mysterious death and The Grove's exhibit celebrating 175 years since his death, click here.