We have a treat for those who enjoy the work of our resident historian John Foster.

Foster recently discussed the Easter Rising of 1916 during a special program at Concord Township Community Center. We filmed and are sharing the talk for those who could not attend.

The Easter Rising (also known as the Easter Rebellion) began when a small group of Irish republicans tried to wrest independence from the United Kingdom in the midst of World War I.

Foster explains what transpired during the Easter Rising and how its failure (and its leaders’ executions) launched a series of Irish uprisings.

For those who want to learn more, Foster recommends 1916: One Hundred Years of Irish Independence by Tim Pat Coogan.

Additionally, Foster — who, in addition to being a reference librarian, has a doctorate degree in European history — began his US Presidents of the 20th Century series in April. He started with a lecture on the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt.

His series continues at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, with a focus on Woodrow Wilson. The talk is free to attend and open to all.

Other historical talks by Foster can be watched on our YouTube page, including: