October 2026: Hibner to hold another virtual presentation

Perry Hibner, author of Centennial Revisited: An Oral History of the Epic TV Miniseries, will be part of a one-hour virtual presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 28 starting at noon.

The presentation will be hosted by PLATO (Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization), a self-directed, volunteer-led, non-profit organization serving 850-plus lifelong learners living mostly in and around Dane County in Wisconsin.

Hibner will discuss why he wrote the book, share stories about many of the cast and crew members he interviewed, and also talk about his writing process. There is no cost to attend the virtual presentation but registration is required. If you are interested, please visit the PLATO website.

Hibner did a virtual presentation in early September with Reader’s Gate, an organization based out of London consisting of literary professionals helping authors share their work. Approximately 30 individuals attended Hibner’s virtual presentation. Hibner also did a virtual presentation with a Centennial Facebook group about the status of his book in September 2025.

“It’s exciting and rewarding to engage with Centennial fans virtually,’’ Hibner said. “I’m certainly aware some fans can’t make my in-person presentations so if I can take the presentations to them virtually it seems like a no-brainer.’’

Most PLATO members are approaching or actively enjoying retirement. All share a passion for learning and a desire to stay engaged with the world and with others who share their interests. No formal education or university affiliation is necessary to join.

PLATO member benefits include 30-plus courses each fall and spring semester and a smaller selection in the spring and summer; a guest courtesy card from the University of Wisconsin Libraries; and weekly email updates.

Hibner’s book contains more than 75 interviews with cast, crew, extras, locals, experts, and fans. Among those interviewed were Gregory Harrison (Levi Zendt), Barbara Carrera (Clay Basket), Cristina Raines (Lucinda McKeag Zendt), Cliff DeYoung (John Skimmerhorn), William Atherton (Jim Lloyd), Stephen McHattie (Jake Pasquinel), Kario Salem (Mike Pasquinel), Mark Harmon (Captain John McIntosh), and John Wilder, who adapted the James A. Michener best-selling novel for television and was the main producer. The book also includes excerpts from more than 60 primary sources.