BETHEL — The Bethel Historical Society will host a program, “100 Years of American Quilts,” at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, in the Mason House exhibit hall.

The presenter will be Bonnie Dwyer, a certified quilt appraiser and a fourth-generation quilter. She will review quilting trends in the United States by showing examples of quilts from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries.

Although she will bring a minimum of 25 quilts from her own collection, those interested in attending are encouraged to bring their own quilts for discussion.

Before and after the program, Dwyer will conduct 20-minute quilt appraisals by appointment (walk-ins welcome as time allows). Whether a written appraisal ($50) or verbal consultation ($25) is chosen, the following information will be provided: pattern identification, style, age, techniques employed, evaluation of the quilt’s condition, as well as advice on care, repair, storage and display.

For more information on appraisals, http://www.bonniedwyer.com/Appraisals.html.) To make an appointment on Aug. 16, call the Bethel Historical Society at 824-2908.

The program is supported by the society’s Florence Bickford Hastings Traditional Crafts Fund and is open to the public.

Due to a grant from the Davis Family Foundation, a new security system has been installed at the O’Neil Robinson House and structural improvements have been undertaken at the Dr. Moses Mason House.

Free guided walking tours of the historic district will continue to take place each Saturday through Aug. 25. Conducted by summer intern Carlee Beatson, the tours begin at 11:30 a.m. and depart from the bell tower at the north end of the Bethel Hill common. The tours take place rain or shine.

For more information on the society, call 824-2908 or 800-824-2910 or e-mail [email protected].