IRVINGTON — The Irvington Historical Society, the Irvington Branch Library and Irvington Vinyl and Books are cooperating to celebrate the One State/One Story: The Year We Left Home program of the Indiana Humanities Council with several programs in September. All the programs complement the themes of Jean Thompson’s book, The Year We Left Home.
Thompson’s 2011 novel explores the relationship of individuals with their environment by following the Erickson family through their start in a Midwestern farm town with later generations moving throughout the nation and experiencing all the varied events of the twentieth century. The program invites people to consider how a person’s environment shapes their maturation and why people stay in their home town or leave.
There will be a discussion of the book on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 1-3 at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave. It will also be offered on Zoom. To register for the Zoom discussion, please e-mail bonathompsonbookstore@gmail.com. Space is limited.
Bill Riley talks at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave., on Something’s Brewing: What Craft Beer Can Teach Us About Placemaking in Indiana. His presentation considers the effect of beer, its manufacture, and sale on the character of a community. Along with socially distanced seating available at the center, Riley’s talk will be recorded and available on the Irvington Historical Society Web site, irvingtonhistorical.info.
Two related exhibits will be open for public viewing. “Irvington: A Good Place to Call Home” is on display at the Irvington Branch Library, 5543 E. Washington St. during library hours for the month of September. It contains items reflecting various aspects of life in Irvington over the years such as a William Forsyth painting, photographs, books, and toys from the Children’s Guardian Home.
“Steeped in History — Residential to Commercial” considers several properties in Irvington and follows the history of the buildings and uses of each property. Although the exhibit is no longer on display, one can access it through the Irvington Historical Society Web site, irvingtonhistorical.info.
The books up for discussion are available at Irvington Vinyl and Books, the Irvington Branch Library, and the Bona Thompson Memorial Center.