History Talks: A Conversation about Palm Beach Society

Listen in as authors Allison Pataki and Deborah Goodrich Royce, and attorney Bryant Sims, discuss the social life of the rich and famous, when Marjorie Merriweather Post was in residence at Mar-a-Lago. Moderator Mary Weiss guides the conversation about living among high society in mid-20th century Palm Beach--and researching and writing about it.
Meet the Speakers!
Allison Pataki is a New York Times bestselling author of five historical novels featuring fascinating women. In The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, she uses historical fiction to take us on the journey of Marjorie Merriweather Post, of Mar-a-Lago fame, which began gluing cereal boxes in her father’s barn as a young girl. C. W. Post’s Cereal Company grew into the General Foods empire, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie became the wealthiest woman in the United States before the age of 30.
Mary Weiss is a retired federal prosecutor and securities law attorney, who facilitates author talks on recently released books in a variety of genres; she has quite a KZbin following. At the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, she is a docent, board member, and co-author/presenter of the popular Adult Mock Murder Trials. Mary also serves other nonprofits as a board member and officer.
Deborah Goodrich Royce is an award-winning author of three thrillers. Reef Road, planned for January release, takes place in Palm Beach. A former actress, Deborah, and her husband Chuck have restored numerous landmarks in Rhode Island and the Catskills. She serves on several boards in the northeast and the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.
Bryant Sims has served the Historical Society as a volunteer docent since 2015. As a retired local attorney, he is co-creator, with Mary Weiss, of the scripts for HSPBC's Mock Trial program for young people, as well as the Adult Mock Trial events. Bryant brings to the conversation decades of fascinating experiences amid Palm Beach high society.