Beginning January 16th and continuing monthly through May, the Vermont Historical Society will offer presentations about historic topics over the lunch hour at the Vermont History Museum at 109 State Street in Montpelier.

“Bring your lunch and come to the museum for animated talks steeped in Vermont history,” said Vermont Historical Society’s Public Programs Coordinator, Amanda Gustin. “Listen to our first talk with author Judy Edwards as she shares tales and research behind her historical fiction.”

Edwards lives in southeastern Vermont near Mount Ascutney State Park, one of many parks nationwide whose roads, stone buildings, and campsites were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The CCC was a public work relief program created during the Great Depression. Young men ages 15-25 from all over America came to Vermont to work on conservation and natural resource projects in rural areas.

“Vermont had more CCC camps per capita than any other state,” Gustin explained. “The Vermont Historical Society’s collections include photographs and objects from the CCC, some of which are on exhibit in the Vermont History Museum.”

Pick your favorite topic or come to all Third Thursday presentations:

* January 16, Civilian Conservation Corps with Judy Edwards

* February 20, H.P. Lovecraft and “The Whisperer in Darkness” with F. Brett Cox from Norwich University

* March 20, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young: A Rich New England Heritage with Joseph Mender from the Joseph Smith Birthplace

* April 17, Porches of North America with UVM’s Thomas Visser

* May 15, Christian Science in Vermont with Kurt Morris

The presentations are free, and the site is handicapped accessible. Talks will take place from noon to 1pm in the Snelling Room at the Vermont History Museum. For more information, visit vermonthistory.org or contact Amanda Gustin, Public Programs Coordinator, at amanda.gustin@state.vt.us or (802) 828-2180.