Orem library events to focus on Utah, U.S. history

OREM — Beginning Wednesday, the Orem Public Library will host five presenters speaking on topics ranging from the Mountain Meadows Massacre to the battles of World War II.

The presentations will begin 7 p.m. in the storytelling wing of the library, at 58 N. State.

On Wednesday, University of Richmond professor Terryl Givens will present "How to Spot a Heretic," a discussion on public perceptions of Utahns in the mid- to late-19th century — including those of Mark Twain and Charles Dickens — and the role that played in Utah's 30-year struggle for statehood.

Other scheduled events include:

July 8: Historian and author Richard Turley will present a lecture titled: "Massacre at Mountain Meadows." Turley will discuss the historical events surrounding and leading up to the Mountain Meadow Massacre on Sept. 11, 1857.

July 9: BYU history professor Matthew Mason will present "The Limits of Dissent: Lincoln and the Constitution." Mason's lecture will examine questions drawn from the example of former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln.

July 16: Author and retired engineer Zane Taylor will present "Lesser Heroes." Taylor served in World War II as an infantryman in offensives in France, Germany and Belgium. He served in Gen. George S. Patton's 3rd Army, and Taylor's experiences resulted in his book, "Lesser Heroes."

July 30: BYU history professor Jay Buckley will present a lecture, "William Clark: Diplomat and Explorer." Buckley will talk about the work of William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame, after the historic Lewis and Clark expedition.