Millyard Museum to celebrate Bob Montana and “Archie” Comics on May 4

MANCHESTER, NH – The Millyard Museum will celebrate “Free Comic Book Day” on May 4 with a tribute to Central High School graduate Bob Montana, the creator of the world-renowned “Archie” comic strip.

The creator’s daughter, Lynn Montana, will be at the Millyard Museum to tell her father’s tale with a video presentation and a question-and-answer session beginning at 1 p.m.

In keeping with the spirit of “Free Comic Book Day,” the Millyard Museum – in partnership with local vendor Double Midnight Comics – will be providing all visitors with free copies of “Archie” comic books.

As the name implies, “Free Comic Book Day” is a single day when participating comic book specialty shops around the world give away comic books to anyone who comes into their shops. Although the comics are free, a museum admission fee is required for Montana’s presentation.

At its peak, the Archie comic strip – which began in 1949 – appeared in more than 700 newspapers and was the top-selling comic book for more than 60 years.

Montana’s version of Archie – the typical American teenager – came equipped with an indelible cast of characters, including Riverdale High School classmates Betty and Veronica, Jughead and Reggie, Moose and Big Ethel, whose preferred out-of-school hangout was Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe.

For more information, contact the Millyard Museum at 622-7531 or email history@manchesterhistoric.org