The Nesquehoning Historical Society will welcome a talk and visual presentation on the children of Asa and Sarah Minerva Packer during a special event at 6 p.m. on Monday.

The event, hosted by local author and historian Vince Hydro, will cover the lives of Lucy, Mary, Robert and Harry.

This event will include a 45-minute visual presentation of the history of the children of Asa and Sarah Packer, who lived in the mansion located on the hillside overlooking Jim Thorpe.

Asa Packer was the founder of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Lehigh University and St. Luke’s Hospital. While much has been written about Asa Packer, this is the first time that the history of his children has been documented.

In Hydro’s new book “Asa Packer’s People: The Story of The Packer Children,” he relates the history of the children of Asa and Sarah Packer, based upon documented sources, and sets these stories against the hearsay and rumors that have been perpetuated over the years about Asa Packer’s children.

Hydro, a native of Carbon County, Pennsylvania, has written extensively on Carbon County history, Mauch Chunk, and the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company.

His acclaimed book: “The Mauch Chunk Switchback: America’s Pioneer Railroad,” was published by the Canal History and Technology Press in 2002.

Hydro is currently working on his next publication, an early history of mining operations at Summit Hill and the Panther Valley, including the Panther Valley portion of the famous Switchback Railroad

Following the presentation, a book signing will take place.

The event is free and open to the public. It is held at the historical society’s museum, 157 W. Railroad St., Nesquehoning.

Parking can be found in the large lot next to the museum.

Donatinos to the historical society will be accepted.