Mark Moran
Featured Lecturer
Mark Moran is the co-publisher, author and editor of Weird N.J. magazines and books. For the past 33 years, Weird N.J.: Your Travel Guide to New Jersey’s Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets, has explored local legends, ancient mysteries, bizarre beasts, ghosts, unexplained phenomena and fabled people and places throughout the Garden State and beyond.
In 2003, Barnes & Noble released the first Weird N.J. hardcover book under their own imprint. Dozens of additional books would follow in a nationally successful Weird U.S. series. In 2005 Weird U.S. became a weekly television series on the History Channel in which Mark played himself.
For the past nine years Mark has been a commentator on the program Paranormal Caught on Camera, which airs on the Travel Channel and Discovery+. October of 2026 will see the release of the 65th issue of Weird N.J. magazine.
Footnote:
We wish Mark Moran's co-host Mark Sceurman a speedy recovery with his recent surgery and hope he can come and enjoy Albatwitch Day.
SARAH COOPER
What is a Snallygaster?
The North American Dragon
The Snallygaster originated from early 1700’s. German immigrants brought with them the term “Schneller Geist” or quick spirit. As Maryland cultures blended, Schneller Geist became Snallygaster.
Believed to be a dragon/bird chimera, the Snallygaster is said to have one eye, a beak, a dragon like body, and strangely, tentacles coming from its mouth.
1909 reports of the Snallygaster claim that it drained a Middletown man of blood and tossed his body off of a cliff. Some even claim that Teddy Roosevelt himself had plans to hunt the beast at the end of his term as President of the United States.
The American Snallygaster Museum
Our museum seeks to discuss and exhibit the folklore and history of Western Maryland. From the snallygaster to the snarly yow and all things in between. We will have all things snallygaster in history, art, and pop culture from the 1700’s through the modern day. Myths and truth will be revealed and discussions on the problematic past will be had. We hope to educate, entertain, enlighten, and enrich our community.
DAVID HARDIE
Author, Lecturer and owner of HardieWear
David J. Hardie takes you on an exciting visual journey of Cryptids and Creatures from Appalachia. Each beast is vividly brought to life with dynamic and vivid color and detail—leaping off the page at you!
This encyclopedic collection covers it all. You’ll learn about West Virginia’s infamous MOTHMAN, the grotesque GRAFTON MONSTER and the mysterious BRAXXIE. You’ll get to hang out with the big guy himself—Sasquatch—and a half dozen of his closest relatives including the SHEEPSQUATCH and Ohio GRASSMAN.
Learn about the sinister SNALLYGASTER and his mortal nemesis, the wolfish DWAYYO! Other legends making an appearance are the nasty DOGMAN, the wild GOATMAN, and the insatiable WENDIGO. You’ll even be introduced to some fo the lesser known critters such as the viscous SNARLY YOW, the green-thumber VEGETABLE MAN, and the utterly miserable SQUONK.
The best compendium of supernatural beings from West Virginia and surrounding states I’ve ever seen. Hardie’s artistic vision is out-of-this-world stunning! Erin Turner, author of Monsters and Ghosts of West Virginia.
Cryptids are creatures of folklore, rumor, and regional legend. Cryptid Empire serves as a comprehensive archive of American cryptid mythology, documenting these legendary creatures through original artwork, historical accounts, and regional folklore research.
Daniel P. Glick
Author and Lecturer
In the wake of a global war, a hardened Marine finds himself thrust into a mission beyond comprehension: exploring a newly discovered portal to another world. On the other side is a land of both beauty and peril, where familiar landscapes are twisted and the very fabric of reality seems to fray at the edges. As Aarav delves deeper into this torn planet, he uncovers ancient secrets, encounters strange creatures, and grapples with the mysteries of the Veil: a force that threatens to consume everything.
Amidst the chaos, Aarav must confront not only external threats but also his inner demons as he navigates a world where the past and the present collide. “The Veil” is a mesmerising blend of military science fiction, metaphysical exploration, and delicate socio-political issues: perfect for readers who enjoy intricate world-building and thought-provoking themes that hold aspects of society up to scrutiny. Rather than leave this world behind, step into “The Veil” and explore the age-old question of who we truly are in the cosmos.
COMING SOON
Book II of The Veil Series
*Into The Depths is a “work in progress”, and does not currently have a release date.*
“The world is changing, growing and shrinking in parallel- reality is merely a game, and it is played those you never knew were even there… Everything you know is just a pawn in the hands of the true players at the table …”