BETHEL — Lewiston native Thomas Desjardin, historic site specialist with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and a Civil War scholar, will be the featured speaker at the 43rd annual meeting of the Bethel Historical Society on Thursday, Sept. 10. His topic will be “Oxford County and the Civil War.”

Educated at Florida State University (BA and MA), with a PhD from the University of Maine, Desjardin is the author of several books on Civil War topics, including “Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine: The 20th Maine and the Gettysburg Campaign,” published by Oxford University Press. Oxford County men played a leading role in the Civil War, including Clark S. Edwards of Bethel, who commanded the 5th Maine at Gettysburg. 

The lecture will follow a brief annual meeting, preceded by a potluck supper in the meeting room of the Dr. Moses Mason House to begin at 6:30 p.m. Baked chicken breast, provided by the society, will be served at the supper. Those attending are asked to bring a casserole, salad or dessert. 

Among items on the agenda for the annual meeting are election of officers and trustees, a proposed change in the dues structure and the presentation of the 2009 Marjorie MacArthur Noll Volunteer Service Award and Honorary Membership Certificates. 

With more than 1,000 members, the Bethel Historical Society, founded in 1966, is western Maine’s largest and most comprehensive full-time historical agency. The society’s activities have included lectures, exhibits, special events, heritage festivals, family reunions, workshops, conferences, school and educational programs and publications.

In 1974, the society acquired the former Broad Street residence of Dr. Moses Mason, which now contains a period house museum, exhibit hall and research library. In 1999, the society opened the O’Neil Robinson House (next door at 10 Broad St.) for an expanded exhibit program, museum shop space and administrative offices. 

More information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling 824-2908 or 800-824-2910, e-mailing [email protected] or visiting www.bethelhistorical.org.