Newtown Historical Society will host two public programs in as many weeks to open November. The first will help those seeking information on available credits for rehabilitating old and historic structures. The second will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

Both will be presented in the lower meeting room of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, and both are free of charge.

Newtown Historical Society is proud to team up with the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) and Newtown’s library to present an information session on state programs through SHPO. Alyssa Lozupone will present that program on Monday, November 5, at 6:30 pm.

SHPO is responsible for overseeing the government program of historic preservation for Connecticut’s citizens. Formerly part of the Commission on Tourism, the office is now part of the Department of Economic and Community Development and provides new opportunities for collaboration on restoration and community revitalization.

The office administers a range of federal and state programs that identify, register, and protect the buildings, sites, structures, districts, and objects that comprise Connecticut’s cultural heritage.

Of major interest to most homeowners is the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit, a program designed to encourage new homeownership and to assist existing homeowners in maintaining or rehabilitating their property. To do this, the state offers a 30 percent tax credit per historic home, up to a $30,000 limit.

The rehabilitation work must have a minimum expense of $15,000, and the home must be on either the state or federal register of historic houses or in an established historic district. In addition, the program is limited to buildings of up to four dwelling units, and at least one unit must be occupied by the owner for five years following the rehabilitation.

Outbuildings on the same property also qualify for the credit if they contribute to the historical significance of the home. A federal tax credit of up to 20 percent may also be available.

‘The Significance Of Armistice Day’

November 11 will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The society will host one last commemoration of the war with “The Significance of Armistice Day,” Tuesday, November 13, at 7:30 pm.

Presenter Mark Albertson’s thesis is that there really is no distinction or separation between World Wars I and II; in a very real sense, there is only one Great War. While what we call World War I was brought on in part by dueling colonial powers attempting to keep or expand their holdings, the war did little to change that, only switching territories from losers to winners.

Mr Albertson’s program will take attendees through the Great War period and into the Cold War between the two surviving super powers.

Mark Albertson is historical research editor of Army Aviation magazine and historian for the Army Aviation Association of America. In addition, he teaches in the Lifelong Learning program at Norwalk Community College, and he is the author of several books. He has spoken widely across the state on historical topics, including a previous appearance in Newtown.

Refreshments will be served following the program.

While the historical society traditionally presents programs on Monday evening, the Armistice Day event will be on a Tuesday due to Veterans Day being observed the previous day.

For more information on either program, visit newtownhistory.org, facebook.com/newtownhistoricalsociety, or call 203-426-5937.