In-Person and Hybrid

The Templars were created as a military religious order in 1119 and were based in Jerusalem to protect Christian pilgrims. During the next two centuries, the Templars became the most powerful network in the world. They became the bankers of Europe, transferring funds between nations and rulers, and amassed great wealth as an organization.

The accumulated wealth attracted envy, and envy begat rumors of licentiousness and accusations of heresy. Phillip IV of France engineered the destruction of the Order of the Templars in 1307. Fables concerning the Templars will be discussed, and the facts of the Templars, a most remarkable order of knights, will be emphasized.

October 30, 2025 

November 6, 13, 20, 2025

10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Location: Ed Ctr, 107

Chuck earned a master's degree in history, focusing on Islamic ideology and Muslim history. He mentored with Dr. Stephen Harmon and completed a thesis discussing Hamas. This provided the background and interest in the Templars.

In-Person and Hybrid

This presentation will explore the historical records of Native American people in the Sandy River Valley, highlighting information often overlooked in published accounts. Drawing from lesser-known sources, the class will broaden understanding of the region’s early history.

November 4th, 2025

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Education Center, room 107

Barry is a passionate historian and genealogist with a strong dedication to preserving and interpreting the past. A veteran of both the Navy and the Marines, he brings a unique perspective shaped by service and discipline. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, is skilled in multiple foreign languages, and is actively engaged as a historical reenactor.

In-Person and Hybrid

This is a discussion group held on the first and third Fridays of each month covering local, national, and world news. The discussion provides an opportunity to share observations and opinions on the news and to learn from other participants.

Articles of interest are distributed among the group by email in the week before each meeting, and topics to discuss are selected by the group at the beginning of each meeting.

October 17, 2025

November 7 and 21, 2025

December 5 and 19, 2025

January 2 and 16, 2026

February 6 and 20, 2026

10:00 am - 11:30 am

Paul Mullin is the facilitator for this discussion group.

In-Person and Hybrid

The Religious Society of Friends was strongly represented throughout rural New England.   This class will explain more about the former Quaker communities in early Franklin County. 

November 14, 2025

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: Ed Ctr, room 107

Barry is a passionate historian and genealogist with a strong dedication to preserving and interpreting the past. A veteran of both the Navy and the Marines, he brings a unique perspective shaped by service and discipline. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, is skilled in multiple foreign languages, and is actively engaged as a historical reenactor.