OBOT 2025 Event: Men in Black's Albert Bender with Paranormal Author Michael Bielawa

As a follow-up to our 2025 One Book One Town (OBOT) Beautyland author visit, join author/historian Michael Bielawa as he discusses the fascinating cosmic story of Bridgeport resident Albert Bender; founder of the International Flying Saucer Bureau. As a result of Bender’s attempt to communicate with aliens the UFO researcher established the first worldwide World Contact Day on March 15, 1953.

This year marks the 72nd Anniversary of this annual event.

Participants are invited to dress in their best Men in Black attire.

Official MIB/OBOT glasses will be given out while supplies last.

Presenter: Award-winning author and historian Michael Bielawa is well-versed in New England’s supernatural heritage. His explorations to northeastern America’s most mysterious and sacred sites have resulted in numerous publications. Bielawa has celebrated New England’s paranormal culture on NPR, WPLR, WICC, and on WTNH’s Good Morning Connecticut and Connecticut Style. Michael’s efforts in preserving our region’s history has been featured most notably in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.

Mike’s research concerning the origins of the Men In Black dates back many years. In 2018 he organized a week-long citywide observation in Bridgeport commemorating the first appearance of Men In Black. His MIB research is celebrated in Europe as well. The Italian paranormal journal, XTimes has done a deep dive examining his theories about the origins of the MIB. As a Special Consultant for the Barnum Museum, Michael conducts Dark History Tours each October where he leads participants to an MIB site. Bielawa’s forthcoming book, Haunted Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley (which includes a history of UFO activity in western Connecticut) is scheduled to be published this summer.