Historical Society Offers Program on "The Birth of Broadway" by Frank Behrens

On Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., the Historical Society of Cheshire County will present a program by Frank Behrens on "The Birth of Broadway: American Popular Music from 1866 to 1900." Through the use of lecture and recorded songs, Mr. Behrens will examine the types of songs that were being sung on stage after the Civil War, how these songs reflected the changing mood of the American people, and how these performances created the format for the Broadway musical.

Frank Behrens is a retired teacher who moved to Keene in 1991. He gives programs about the history of music through Keene State College continuing education program, at Pilgrim Pines Elderhostel in Swanzey, at regional libraries, and before social and professional groups. He also reviews CDs and DVDs in local media and writes a monthly essay for Art Times Journal. He tutors students in mathematics at Keene State College and gives private instruction in his home.

The program is in conjunction with the exhibit, Actors on the Early American Stage: 1790 - World War I, curated by Dr. Don Wilmeth. The exhibit, which will be on display through April 4, explores the history of the early American Theatre through playbills, posters, letters, photographs, and a variety of other artifacts. Exhibit sponsors include Ariel Printing, Creative Encounters, Carin Torp Healing Arts PLLC, and the Keene Sentinel.

The Historical Society is located at 246 Main Street in Keene and is open to the public on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. For information, call the Historical Society of Cheshire County at 352-1895 or visit its web site at www.hsccnh.org .