Wednesday, October 28, 2026
12pm - 1:00pm
Online via Zoom
Registration is required
Members can register a guest
Centennial is a 12-episode American television miniseries that aired on NBC for two years beginning in 1978. The miniseries follows the fictional history of Centennial, Colorado from 1795 to the 1970s and is based on the 1974 novel by James Michener.
Perry Hibner, a retired Wisconsin journalist, communications director, and teacher, wrote his first book, Centennial Revisited: An Oral History of the Epic TV Miniseries, which was released in March 2026 by Dorrance Publishing. He will share why he decided to write a book, why he selected the topic he did, and share stories he heard from many of those included in his book. He will also explain why he went with the oral history format and more about the writing and publishing process.
Hibner’s book contains more than 75 interviews with cast, crew, extras, locals, experts, and fans. Among those interviewed were Gregory Harrison (Levi Zendt), Barbara Carrera (Clay Basket), Cristina Raines (Lucinda McKeag Zendt), Cliff DeYoung (John Skimmerhorn), William Atherton (Jim Lloyd), Stephen McHattie (Jake Pasquinel), Kario Salem (Mike Pasquinel), Mark Harmon (Captain John McIntosh), and John Wilder, who adapted the James A. Michener best-selling novel for television and was the main producer. The book also includes excerpts from more than sixty primary sources.
The hardcover, paperback and e-book are available on the Dorrance Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites along with select bookstores.
Perry Hibner worked for 25 years at the Wisconsin State Journal as a sports reporter, sports copy editor, designer and as assistant sports editor for his last 15 years. He also worked for a decade as the communications director for the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. He worked as a social studies and journalism teacher at Green Lake High School in Wisconsin and continues to fill in as a substitute teacher in retirement. He also served as the lead survey strategist for The Donovan Group, helping Midwest school districts engage their staff, students, families and communities.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE ZOOM LINK TO ATTEND. PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE THE EVENT STARTS. ORAL AND WRITTEN QUESTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED DURING THE EVENT.
As this event is online, you can use your computer or smartphone to listen to the conversation and then add your voice to the conversation during the "Question & Comment" time.
Questions? Contact lecture organizer, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org
