The Southington Historical Society continues to sponsor its Thursday lecture series that help mark the group's 45th anniversary year.

On Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., the historical society is joining with the Southington Genealogical Society to present a lecture and workshop on researching basic family history.

The lecture will be led by Nora Galvin, of Bridgeport, who is an expert on genealogical research.

"We're delighted to be able to provide information on how to do research on their ancestors," said Ken DiMauro, president of the Southington Historical Society. "Occasionally, we get inquiries from people wanting assistance with research on family histories. However, we are not really set up for that."

DiMauro said Galvin or members of Southington Genealogical Society will be available to give advice to residents who may have reached a dead end while researching their family tree. "There are resources that can help researchers," DiMauro said, including where pertinent records can be found such as municipal offices, the U.S. Census, churches, schools, and the like.

He said the genealogical society, which meets at the Southington Police Station on Lazy Lane, also provides information to those doing research on family history. "They've been around since the 1980s and many of the members have experience on how to basic family history research. Deanna Dailey is the current president of the local genealogical society that was founded by Raymond Thomas and others.

The historical society is excited about being able to bring Galvin here as part of the group's resurrected Thursday lecture series at 239 Main St. DiMauro said the society is trying to sponsor two lectures a month during the fall and hopes to start again in the spring. "We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, we're just providing information that those who are interested in history can use.

The second lecture in October will be held Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., and will be led by Southington resident Betty Arcano, a retired docent with the Noah Webster House in West Hartford, who will demonstrate what it was like to attend school in the 18th century.

Arcano, who has done research on what it was like to attend the one-room schoolhouses of the 1700s and 1800s, is a member of the historical society's ancient schoolhouse committee that helps to oversee South End Schoolhouse and West Street Schoolhouse, Southington's remaining one-room schoolhouses.

Another historical society-sponsored lecture set for Oct. 28, at 7 p.m., will hear from local and area veterans who will tell what it was like to serve.

John DeMello Sr., former commander of the Kiltonic Post American Legion, who is active with the historical society, has gathered together veterans from several wars who are willing to talk about their experiences.

“As a historical society, this is something we've always wanted to do," DiMauro said, adding the event is especially pertinent because Veterans Day — Nov. 11 — is approaching and these veterans should be applauded for their military service.

DiMauro said DeMello has been in contact with veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "It is important to honor these heroes," DiMauro said, adding that he hopes this will be the beginning of commitment to get these servicemen and women's stories into our historical archives.

Refreshments will be served at all of the lectures. The events are free and open to the public. Parking is available at the public library lot and at Derynoski Elementary School. The historical society was founded in 1965 in the old library building at 239 Main St.