DeGruson Lecture to feature four local history experts

To coincide with Pittsburg turning 150 years old, four local history experts were chosen to present the DeGruson Lecture this year, planned for 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 in the Axe Library Basement at Pittsburg State University. It is open to the public.

The long running annual event is sponsored by the Friends of Axe Library to honor the memory of Gene DeGruson, a Southeast Kansas scholar, writer, editor, and pioneering archivist and former curator of Special Collections at Axe Library, who died in 1997.

DeGruson founded Special Collections in 1968 and spent 29 years building it into a rich treasure trove of knowledge on local history as well as an archive for Pittsburg State University. He also wrote and edited books and journals of poetry, history, and biography.

This year's format will be a panel comprised of Miners Hall Museum Chair Phyllis Bitner; museum trustee and longtime teacher Linda O’Nelio Knoll; former museum trustee and historian Jerry Lomshek; and former curator of Special Collections & Archives Randy Roberts, who assumed leadership after DeGruson.

“They'll share stories from Pittsburg's lively and unique past,” said current Special Collections & Archives Curator Sara DeCaro, who assumed leadership when Roberts retired. “Come with your local history questions and perhaps a few memories of your own!”

The conversation will be followed by a free reception.

For additional information, call 620-235-4883.