Join us on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM for Coffee With the Curator at the Museum of World Treasures!

In this session, Kansas author Jillian Forsberg will delve into the true story behind her novel, The Rhino Keeper.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM
• Location: Museum of World Treasures [Get Directions]

Cost

• Museum Members: Free
• Non-Members: $4 per person plus tax

Become a Museum Member

Attending Information

• Open to all ages
• No need to register; simply walk in!
• Light refreshments provided.

Talk Summary

Jillian Forsberg reveals the true story behind her novel, The Rhino Keeper, and explores the significant differences in rhino care from Clara’s era in the 1740s to today’s practices at an AZA (Association for Zoos & Aquariums) accredited zoo. Based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled with an Indian rhinoceros called Clara across 18th century Europe, THE RHINO KEEPER evokes both the thrill of discovery in the archives and the wonder felt by a world in which no European had seen a living rhinoceros.

Speaker Bio - Jillian Forsberg

Kansas author Jillian Forsberg is a former Museum of World Treasures employee. She holds a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication and history from McPherson College. Her research on little-known historical events led her to discover the true story behind her first novel, The Rhino Keeper.

Jillian is a regular contributor to Writer Unboxed and leads the Manuscript Matchup beta reader program through History Through Fiction.

You can find Jillian gardening, browsing the closest antique mall, or reading every label at a museum. She will most likely be wearing vintage dresses, except when she’s at the zoo.