NORWICH — Historian Dr. Edward J. “Ed” Erickson will continue his popular presentations this fall at Guernsey Memorial Library.

Although Erickson specializes in Ottoman and Middle Eastern history, he returns to his hometown roots in many of his presentations. His range of topics includes local history, New York state history and American history.

The presentations are open to the public and begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday evenings at Guernsey Memorial Library. There will be time for questions at the conclusion of each presentation.

Oct. 12:

“Conspiracy Theories in American History”

From the nation’s earliest days, Americans have been fascinated with conspiracy theories.

How do conspiracy theories enter the popular imagination? Why do they persist in our culture?

The presentation will examine Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s public claims that Lyme disease may be connected to military research at Plum Island, theories surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and claims involving Dr. Anthony Fauci and RNA viruses.

Erickson will also examine major conspiracy theories in American history, including the Lincoln conspiracy, FDR and Pearl Harbor, JFK and Dallas, the moon landing, Area 51, RFK and Plum Island, COVID-19 vaccines and more.

Dec. 14: “Appalachia, Chenango County & LBJ’s War on Poverty”

The presentation will examine common claims about whether Chenango County tax dollars flow downstate to New York City and how state and federal tax dollars flow in and out of the county.

Erickson will also discuss poverty in Chenango County and the county’s inclusion in the federally designated Appalachian region.

— Information from Guernsey Memorial Library