Archie Comics co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit on Tonight’s Open Mike Show

Archie Comics co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit's collection of Archie memorabilia.

Archie Comics co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit’s collection of Archie memorabilia.

Archie Comics co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit discusses Haverhill’s favorite comics character on tonight’s Open Mike Show with Tim Coco.

Silberkleit, a former art teacher with 25 years of experience, was thrust into the management of Archie Comics when her husband, Michael, passed away in 2008. He was the son of Louis Silberkleit, who founded the comic book company with Maurice Coyne and John L. Goldwater n November, 1939. Archie debuted in Pep Comics #22 Dec. 22, 1941. The first Archie was drawn by Haverhillite Bob Montana and written by Vic Bloom. Goldwater, credited with creating the character, died seven months before Silberkleit in 2007.

Mrs. Silberkleit, who is sharing her personal collection of Archie memorabilia next month at Buttonwoods Museum, says comic books actually stimulate reading abilities.

“The comic book, as a graphic novel, is a valuable tool for developing literacy among first-time readers and instilling a love of reading in everyone,” according to her website

She will appear at Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St., Sept. 3, for the formal opening of her exhibit of products related to Archie and his gang, including pins, perfume, key chain, puzzle, baseball cap, Veronica doll and other items.

The Open Mike Show begins at 6:30 p.m. and may be heard at WHAV.net or viewed at WHAV.TV and Haverhill Community Television, channel 22.