The Old Forge Library, located at 220 Crosby Boulevard, is pleased to host the Town of Webb Historical Association’s Local History and Stories Series on Thursdays throughout the summer at 5:00 p.m.
Each week, the series will feature a different speaker who will deliver a presentation and lead a discussion on a variety of topics related to local and regional history. The public is invited to attend, enjoy the talks, ask questions, and share related information.
Town of Webb Historical Association Director Kate Lewis has organized a diverse roster of speakers for this summer’s programs.
The series begins on Thursday, July 10, with a presentation by Dr. James Shaw titled “Historical Diseases from a Modern Perspective: The Adirondack Experience.”
Dr. Shaw will explore the history of major disease outbreaks such as the Spanish Flu, Smallpox, Tuberculosis, Influenza, Syphilis, Rubella, and Leprosy, with a particular focus on their impact in the Adirondack region. His presentation will also examine the evolution of medical understanding, treatment, and disease prevention over time. In addition, Dr. Shaw will address contemporary concerns including vaccine hesitancy, waning immunity, antibiotic resistance, and the influence of climate change on the potential resurgence of these illnesses.
Dr. James Shaw is a recently retired academic orthopedic surgeon with over 30 years of clinical experience. He holds design patents for two orthopedic implants and has been affiliated with Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, George Washington University, the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and SUNY Upstate Medical University. A dedicated student of history, Dr. Shaw has authored several books on subjects ranging from family genealogy to World War II and the American Civil War.
Upcoming presentations in the series include:
- July 17 – ED PITTS – Sketching the Adirondacks in 1851: Artist Jervis McEntee & Joseph Tubby
- July 24 – RON PATTERSON – Oneida Indian Culture
- July 31 – DENNIS WEBSTER – Best Haunted Evidence of the Ghost Seekers
- August 7 – BILL BLUNDEN – Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America
- August 14 – TO BE ANNOUNCED
- August 21 – KRISTY RUBYOR – Benjamin Harrison & his Adirondack Summer Home
- August 28 – NOEL SHERRY – The Great Nelson Lake Train Wreck
The Local History and Stories Series is free and open to the public.
It offers an opportunity to engage with local history and celebrate community heritage. Please mark your calendars and join us on Thursday evenings at the library.
