RANGELEY – The Higgins Armory Museum will present “A Knight’s Tale” at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at the Rangeley Public Library as part of the “Boys to Men” program.

“A Knight’s Tale” describes the evolution of arms and armor from the mail of Charlemagne to the full-plate tournament armor at the court of Maximillian I. The program provides an introduction to the history of arms and armor in Western Europe. It examines the arms and armor of the medieval knight from his origins as a tribal warrior to his rise as the most idealized noble character in history.

Ranging from the early armor of the crusades to full suits of late medieval armor, the audience will learn about and be invited to participate in hands-on demonstrations illustrating the benefits and challenges presented by the armor of each era.

Additionally, the audience will discover how armor gradually became specialized to accommodate the varying needs of its wearer as the role of the knight expanded during the late medieval period.

Audience members will experience the different degrees of protection, visibility and flexibility offered by combat, tournament and parade armor by trying on examples of each type.

The program is the second in a series made possible by the Schulte Family and by Maine Reads! On March 20, Joe Bessey, Mike Ferguson, Josh Adams and Michael Haley discussed their car racing experiences.

Each program was chosen for the subject appeal to boys and men, but all programs are free and open to the public. Prizes will be given, and refreshments will be provided.