WILTON — The Wilton Historical Society and Wilton Public Library will co-sponsor a lecture by Maine author Elizabeth DeWolfe at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12, at The Wilton Farm & Home Museum.

DeWolfe is professor and chairwoman of the Dept. of History & Philosophy at the University of New England in Biddeford, where she teaches courses in women’s history and American culture. She will be speaking about her book, “The Murder of Mary Bean & Other Stories,” which features some tragic tales of young women lured to the big cities for factory jobs in the early 19th century Maine, tales which served as warnings to keep young girls safe at home down on the family farm.

These tales should be of specific interest to a Wilton audience whose very ancestors made their living for at least four generations — both men and women — at the local Bass Shoe Factory and The Wilton Woolen Mill.

DeWolfe will punctuate her lecture with a lively, sometimes humorous, sometimes scandalous, slide show.

The public is welcome to attend. A donation of $5 is appreciated at the door, or advance tickets are available at The Wilton Public Library. For information visit www.thewiltonfarmandhomemuseum.org.