Byrne brings one of Ireland’s ancient and respected families to vivid life. His epic of the O’Byrne family begins in 16th Century County Wicklow, as they struggle to counter English aggression and maintain their landholdings. The story continues through their emigration to America in 1818, settling in Catholic Baltimore, with insights into what is to follow for future generations.

CHARLES ARTAUD BYRNE, a West Point graduate, served 28 years in the Air Force, including combat missions in Korea. He is the recipient of The Distinguished Flying Cross and is a former instructor at the Navy War College, Newport. Upon his retirement from the military, he settled in Newport and became an avid sailor. Mr. Byrne is a past Secretary of the American Sail Training Association in Newport, and was Treasurer of Seaport ’76 Foundation, in support of the replica of R.I.’s first warship, The Providence. When sailing, he favors clipper ships on the high seas, and has crossed the Atlantic four times. In 2007 he travelled around the world, a journey which included 37 days on a 4-masted clipper ship. The proud father of a daughter and two sons, he now concentrates on research and writing.

Byrne has written a sequel to Ranelagh, titled Tomorrow’s Skies, with another, Tomorrow’s Star in process. This is Mr. Byrne’s first speaking engagement with the Museum. Copies of Ranelagh will be available for purchase and author’s signature.