‘Re-Defining Narrative and Illustration’ art and book event highlights works inspired by Webster’s Dictionary — and Noah Webster himself

In 1786, 27-year-old Noah Webster, of Webster's dictionary, rode into Frederick via horseback and delivered three nights of lectures.

Fast forward to 2025, and nine days after what would be Webster’s 282nd birthday, Frederick artist Johnny Carrera and novelist Brook McClurg, both of whom used Webster’s dictionaries as inspiration for their own work, will host “Re-Defining Narrative and Illustration,” an event that combines an exhibition, book reading and conversation on Oct. 25 in downtown Frederick.