DARLINGTON — The Lafayette County Historical Society will be hosting a meet and greet event with author Mary Buford at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Buford, known locally as Tammy Kilby-Biraki, lives and works in Darlington. She enjoys variety in life, working with people as a medical receptionist at DIME Medical, and a floral designer at Piggy Wiggly.

Buford has written nine books. The focus of the talk will be The Lock Within the Key, which was inspired by an unremodeled area of a historic downtown building in Darlington. Highlights of the book, certain vintage points of time, as well as the actual dress worn by “the lady in white,” will all be key points in her discussion.

Growing up, the oldest of six children, storytelling became second nature. She explains, “I grew up keeping the younger family members occupied. At times it may have seemed like a small burden, but overall, I enjoyed it. One day I started taking notes and writing things down. That’s where my first thoughts of becoming an author came from.”

In her spare time Buford enjoys taking impromptu trips with her daughter, Emily; coffee dates; keeping a journal; looking at abandoned buildings; photography; creating rosaries; keeping in shape (after significant weight loss); staying in contact with family and friends; and attending church services at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

The Historical Society has several local authors’ work on its shelves, including both fiction and nonfiction inspired by county history.