Vermont Humanities Events 

Windham

May 9 — Book Discussion: A Country Year by Sue Hubbell. Part of the Farms and Gardens series. Vermonters know as well as anyone the rich metaphors inherent in farming and gardening. These authors dig deep to explore the philosophical roots, family dynamics, and personal enrichment associated with tending and growing. Led by Alan Berolzheimer. Hosted by the Grafton Public Library. Grafton Public Library, 6:30 pm. Michelle Dufort, (802) 843-2404.

May 13 — The Old Country Fiddler: Charles Ross Taggart, Vermont’s Traveling Entertainer. Having grown up in Topsham, Vermont, Charles Ross Taggart went on to a forty-year career performing in countless stage shows across the country, including the famous Red Path Chautauqua circuit. A fiddler, piano player, humorist, singer, and ventriloquist, he made at least 25 recordings with the Victor, Edison, and Columbia companies, and appeared in a talking movie picture four years before Al Jolson starred in The Jazz Singer. Fiddler Adam Boyce portrays Mr. Taggart near the end of his career, circa 1936, sharing recollections of his life and career interspersed with live fiddling and humorous sketches. Hosted by the Rockingham Free Public Library. Bellows Falls, Masonic Temple, 61 Westminster St, 7:00 pm. Ed Graves, (802) 463-4270.

May 23 — Book Discussion: Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education by Michael Pollan. Part of the Farms and Gardens series. Vermonters know as well as anyone the rich metaphors inherent in farming and gardening. These authors dig deep to explore the philosophical roots, family dynamics, and personal enrichment associated with tending and growing. Led by Alan Berolzheimer. Hosted by the Grafton Public Library. Grafton Public Library, 6:30 pm. Michelle Dufort, (802) 843-2404.

July 10 — Book Discussion: I’m a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After Twenty Years Away by Bill Bryson. Part of the New England Uncovered series. What lies hidden beneath the popular images of New England with its white spires and Yankee frugality? More than meets the eye! Led by Richard M Wizansky. Hosted by the Dover Free Library. East Dover, Dover Free Library, 22 Holland Rd, 7:00 pm. John Flores, (802) 348-7488.

July 13 — Agatha Christie: Creator of Miss Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot. In this living history performance by Helene Lang, Ms. Christie tells you how a typewriter in Torguay spawned over 80 mysteries and created Miss Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot. Learn about her life and walk in her footsteps in England. Discover why she was so knowledgeable about the poisons used in her stories; what influences in her life informed the creation of her famous leading detectives; some personal information about her family; and why she went to Yorkshire under an assumed name. Hosted by the Pettee Memorial Library. Wilmington, Memorial Hall Center for the Arts, 4 W Main St, 7:00 pm. Helena Queenie, (802) 464-8204.

July 24 — Book Discussion: Peyton Place by Grace Metalious. Part of the New England Uncovered series. What lies hidden beneath the popular images of New England with its white spires and Yankee frugality? More than meets the eye! Led by Richard M Wizansky. Hosted by the Dover Free Library. East Dover, Dover Free Library, 22 Holland Rd, 7:00 pm. John Flores, (802) 348-7488.

August 7 — Book Discussion: Affliction by Russell Banks. Part of the New England Uncovered series. What lies hidden beneath the popular images of New England with its white spires and Yankee frugality? More than meets the eye! Led by Richard M Wizansky. Hosted by the Dover Free Library. East Dover, Dover Free Library, 22 Holland Rd, 7:00 pm. John Flores, (802) 348-7488.

October 5 — The Vermont Civil War Songbook. Dressed in period costume, singer/researcher Linda Radtke shares songs from Vermont during the Civil War period, with engaging commentary and letters from Vermont soldiers. Seldom-heard songs from the Vermont Historical Society include the comic but poignant "Grafted into the Army," "Yankee Robinson at Bull Run," "Neath the Pines of Vermont" (in which a soldier returns home to die), a satirical song about Jefferson Davis, and sentimental ballads from Vermont during the period. Linda Radtke is joined by pianist Arthur Zorn in this program for all audiences that brings the Civil War period in Vermont to life through music and letters. Hosted by the Rockingham Free Public Library. Bellows Falls, Rockingham Free Public Library, 65 Westminster St, 12:00 pm. Ed Graves, (802) 463-4270.