Newtown Historical Society’s next open house is being planned for Sunday, April 23, from noon to 4 pm.

The acclaimed open hearth cooking specialist and living historian Cheyney McKnight (pictured) will be visiting The Matthew Curtiss House, at 44 Main Street.

McKnight had been scheduled to present during the March open house, but was unable to attend due to personal reasons.

McKnight is the living history manager at the New-York Historical Society, as well as a historic interpreter and public speaker.

On April 23 she will use her talent to relate stories in authentic 1800s garb about Black history while also cooking notable meals on the Matthew Curtiss hearth with her well-known culinary expertise.

“These narratives are powerful and bring a more nuanced view of our history,” says McKnight. “If you see a human being and not a caricature, it changes how people see racism and how they interact with society.”

The event is free and open to the public; however, donations are welcomed and appreciated. For more information, call 203-426-5937.

‘Conversation About WWI,’ Sunday

This weekend the historical society will co-host with C.H. Booth a program by Southbury resident Alfred Hunt, professor emeritus of history at SUNY-Purchase.

“The World Undone: A Conversation About WWI” is planned for Sunday, April 16, at 2 pm, at the library, 25 Main Street.

Hunt will examine the complex subject of the first World War. He will cover such topics as why the war was fought, how it brought unexpected long-term and dramatic changes worldwide, and what such historic events reveal about humanity.

A two-time Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, Hunt often uses Ernest Hemingway’s quote, “Never think that war is not a crime,” as a lead-in to his presentation.

“This great war,” he states, “illustrated how militaries and their societies go hand in hand.

Ironically, the Versailles peace process created the very conditions that led to an even larger and more devastating war only a decade later.”

The event is free and open to the public; however, donations are welcomed and appreciated. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 203-426-5937.