CHESTERTOWN — The Historical Society of Kent County is hosting a series of brown-bag Lunch & Lore sessions this fall, twice a month on Thursdays.
These drop-in gatherings will feature experts in local history and culture, leading conversations on topics ranging from river lore to African American history and more.
Everyone is invited to attend at the historical society’s Bordley History Center, 301 High St. in downtown Chestertown from noon to 1 p.m. on alternate Thursdays through Dec. 18. [The first session was on Sept. 4.]
The schedule is printed below.
Sept. 18: Tidbits from Museums of Kent with Stephanie Gosman
Oct. 2: 5 Amazing Things about Kent County history from two “locals,” Darius Johnson and Kate Livie
Oct. 16: Karen Somerville (topic to be announced)
Oct. 30: Secrets of Olivet Hill with Amber Englebach
Nov. 6: River lore with Darren Tilghman
Nov. 20: Airlee Johnson (topic to be announced)
Dec. 4: African American history with Bill Leary
Dec. 18: Capt. Andy McCown (topic to be announced)
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Back by popular demand, the public is invited to a screening of “Chestertown 1940–1995” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 101 Cross St. in downtown Chestertown.
The film pairs scenes from a silent black-and-white film from 1940 with a companion piece from 1995, which includes reflections from a host of notable locals, many of whom are still around today.
“Together, the films capture a vivid portrait of small-town Eastern Shore life across the 20th century,” a news release states.
Bustling streets, storefronts, fashion and even a children’s pet parade from the pre-WWII era contrast with the last moments before the dot-com boom in the late 1990s as Chestertown evolved into a tourist destination and retirement haven.
The screening is free and open to the public.
Reservations are strongly encouraged and may be made by emailing director@kentcountyhistory.org.
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A new exhibit titled “On New Shores: A History of Jewish Lives in Kent County,” will open on First Friday, Oct. 3.
The exhibit explores the largely untold stories of Jewish families who built their lives in Maryland’s smallest county.
A full weekend of related events will begin with an opening reception on Oct. 3.
On Oct. 4, pianist Susan Hollins, who grew up in Millington and whose family is featured in the exhibit, will present a concert titled “Jewish Composers of the Immigration Era.”
To close out the weekend on Sunday, Oct. 5, a panel discussion will delve into Jewish history in Kent County with Executive Director of the Jewish Museum of Maryland Sol Davis, former Chestertown resident and one of the founders of the Chestertown Havurah Margie Elsberg, and others.
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Spooky ghost walks will offer historical thrills and chills throughout the Chestertown Historic District beginning in October.
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On Nov. 20, museums professional Alana Cole-Faber will give a talk about the library catalog project currently underway at the Historical Society of Kent County. She also will offer helpful guidance on simple ways to store paper artifacts at home using basic office supplies.
More details, including ticket information, will be announced in the coming weeks.
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This fall, the Historical Society of Kent County is inviting the public to explore local history, meet neighbors and enjoy a season full of conversation, discovery and community.
Visit kentcountyhistory.org or follow the Historical Society of Kent County on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates.