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History on Third Thursday back by popular demand

T-R FILE PHOTO History on Third Thursday is returning to Marshalltown with Administrator of the Marshall County Historical Society Michelle Roseburrough ready for the program’s return.

Since 1908, the Marshall County Historical Society has offered public historical programs to the local community, and for many years, the organization has hosted History on Third Thursday.

On the third Thursday of each month, the Marshall County Historical Society traditionally presents speakers focused on local history, and the events are free and open to the public. The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to the program, but History on Third Thursday is now poised for a return.

Marshall County Historical Society Administrator Michelle Roseburrough said the program is back by popular demand.

“A lot of our longtime members really love this series,” she said. “We’ve been having lots of inquiries about it in the last couple months as different businesses and people are more open. Clubs are getting back into the swing of things.”

History on Third Thursday resumes this Thursday night at 6 p.m. at Grimes Farm and Conservation Center with “Boogie Woogie Flu & You.” Local nurse Theresa Walton will share a history of epidemics with a cultural and local twist.

Walton said her speech will explore different attitudes and ideas around healthcare amid pandemics dating back to 1918 with the Spanish Flu. While many technological and scientific advancements have been made, she noted, the modern public response to pandemics remains similar to the past.

While the subject is a touchy one, Walton hopes to bring some humor and some interaction with the audience. Roseburrough said she is excited for Walton’s talk, especially as it heralds the return of History on Third Thursdays.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into Grimes Farm to have an opportunity to share some local history with whoever decides to attend,” Roseburrough said. “That’s always just as fun. The conversation after the program is always really interesting and engaging.”

Past speakers in the series have included local presenters as well as those from Humanities Iowa, an organization providing presentations throughout the state on a variety of topics.

There is no topic selected for the November program, but in December, the Marshall County Historical Society will partner with The Binford House to host a holiday dinner. The fundraising event benefits both The Binford House and the Marshall County Historical Society and is open to the public for anyone looking to make a reservation. Roseburrough said the Marshall County Historical Society is open to suggestions on topics for upcoming History on Third Thursdays.

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Contact Trevor Babcock at 641-753-6611 or

tbabcock@timesrepublican.com.

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