Join CFI-NYC and the Secular Humanist Society of New York (SHSNY) for what promises to be an enlightening and entertaining talk by award-winning author Jennifer Michael Hecht, followed by a free-wheeling question-and-answer portion and discussion -- all in celebration of Freethought Day (Oct. 12).

October is Freethought Month and Freethought Day is Oct. 12 because on that day in 1692, Governor William Phips of the Massachusetts Colony declared that “spectral evidence” would no longer be admissible in court, thereby ending -- for lack of real-world evidence -- the Salem Witch Trials.

Brunch at the historic Pete’s Tavern is just $20, for your choice of 11 excellent entrees, one drink (Bloody Mary, champagne, etc.), plus coffee or tea, and including all taxes and tips -- cash or check only, at the door, please. Reservations are a must! The room only holds 45 people. E-mail [masked], or phone 212-308-2165.

Jennifer Michael Hecht, the author of three history books and two volumes of poetry. Her bestseller Doubt: A History demonstrates a long, strong history of religious doubt. Hecht’s The End of the Soul: Scientific Modernity, Atheism, and Anthropology won the Phi Beta Kappa Society’s 2004 Ralph Waldo Emerson Award “for scholarly studies that contribute significantly to interpretations of the intellectual and cultural condition of humanity.” Her most recent book, The Happiness Myth, brought a skeptical eye to modern wisdom about the good life. Hecht’s poetry books have won four national awards between them, and Publisher’s Weekly called her most recent poetry book, Funny, “one of the most original and entertaining books of the year.” Her book reviews, essays, and poetry appear in 20 such journals as The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post.

Hecht earned her Ph.D. in the History of Science from Columbia University in 1995 and now teaches in the Graduate Writing Program at The New School University. For more on Hecht, visit her Web site. Hecht was also on the Center for Inquiry's podcast, Point of Inquiry. Listen to the conversation here.