NORWAY — The Norway Historical Society will present its first public program of 2011 on Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m.

Tom Denison, interim trustee, will speak about the history and activities of the Higgins-Crooker Charity Fund, a little-known local aid organization.

Nineteenth-century hardware merchant James O. Crooker and his wife, Adelia Higgins Crooker, made a bequest to the people of Norway, funding a trust that has distributed modest amounts of charity to deserving, aged residents since the 1940s, according to information from the historical society.

Members, friends and the public are invited to attend. Anyone familiar with the gifts of the Higgins-Crooker Fund is especially encouraged to attend and share their memories. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served.

Monthly programs are held from May to October at the society’s museum, 471 Main St. in Norway. For more information, contact the Norway Historical Society at (207) 743-7377.