On Sunday, March 12, at 3 pm, the public is invited to C.H. Booth Library to hear from several area residents who moved from their home countries of Ireland, Germany, and Egypt to a new life in the United States.

The program will be in the lower meeting room of the library, 25 Main Street.

Why did they make this life-changing decision? What challenges did they face when starting their new lives? Would they make the same choice again if they had the opportunity to go back in time?

The Historical Society has held similar programs in the past that have been greatly enjoyed by those attending.

Vince Tully left Ireland for America as a young man, was drafted into the US Army, and later taught mathematics in various locations before settling in Farmington.

Southbury residents Regina Badura, stewardship director of the Southbury Land Trust, and her husband Egbert Most, now director of mechanical engineering and adjunct professor at Naugatuck Community College, arrived in the United States from Germany in 1992 after a job transfer.

Hend Elsantaricy, adjunct cataloger at Western Connecticut State University, and her husband Ahmad Elawa, PhD, a chemist at an area company, left Egypt 22 years ago. They first lived in Delaware and then moved two years ago with their three teenage children to Sandy Hook.

These five immigrants have many personal stories of interest to relate to those attending the free Newtown Historical Society event. Refreshments will be served, and donations are always welcome.

Upcoming Programs

The historical society has two additional lectures planned at Booth Library in upcoming months. These programs will both begin at 2 pm.

“World War I: Causes and Results That Will Change Europe Forever” will be offered Sunday, April 16, by Dr Albert Hunt, a noted lecturer who always presents an engrossing talk.

Then on May 21, Richard Donahue will present “Antique Mechanical Banks,” about the banks that come in all shapes and sizes and have delighted Americans for years.

Donahue will bring several examples with him.

For more information on any of the Newtown Historical Society spring programs, call 203-426-5937. Registration for all three is requested, and available through chboothlibrary.org.