A trio of prestigious speakers have been announced for a program held later this month at a one-room school museum in Towamensing Township.

The Kibler School Committee of the Palmerton Area Historical Society has announced that the annual “Three Thursdays in July” program of community speakers will take place at the facility at 6495 Pohopoco Drive, Lehighton.

Ongoing for over 12 years, the program provides a forum for speakers from the Carbon County community, and will begin at 7 p.m. and be held outdoors under the trees across from Beltzville State Park-Christman Trailhead.

This year, programs will be held outdoors next to the school, and spectators will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing, according to Linda Christman. The programs are free to the public.

“The Kibler School Committee of the Palmerton Area Historical Society is pleased to announce that the annual “Three Thursdays in July” program of community speakers will be held this year,” Christman said. “The program has been ongoing for more than 12 years and provides a forum for speakers from the Carbon County community.”

On July 16, Jack Branch will speak on “Indian and European Settlers Along the Pohopoco.”

Branch is a member of the Towamensing Township Historical Commission, and has done extensive research on early settlers and their contacts with the native Indians of the area.

Come July 23, Josh Finsel will speak on “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Elderberries.”

Finsel is an expert on the history and many uses of these berries, and he will bring samples of Elderberry products.

On July 30, Scott Christman will speak about the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Christman is the Northeast region waterways conservation officer, and will discuss the work of the commission, including issues related to Beltzville Lake.

Participants are invited to stay after the program for refreshments and a social time.

In the event of rain, the program will be canceled.