Dr. George S. Vascik, Miami University Associate Professor of History and Humanities, will present “WWI–Butler County in the Trenches” as the first program in the second phase of the Butler County Historical Society’s year-long exhibit and series of programs focusing on World War I.

Vascik will highlight the stories of some of the local boys who served in the trenches of France during several of the most difficult battles of the “Great War.”

The presentation will be in the Emma Ritchie Auditorium at the historical society’s facility at 327 North 2nd Street, Hamilton at 1 p.m., Saturday, September 30. The talk is free to the public and free parking will be provided. A reception will follow the presentation.

“Over There, Over Here: Butler County Stories of World War I,” the historical society’s current exhibit, opened April 22nd when Vascik gave a presentation of the European origins of the war and how the United States became involved. The second phase of the exhibit features the stories of soldiers from the Butler County area. Some of the stories highlight local men such as Corliss Hooven Griffis, son of a prominent Hamilton industrialist; Carl Herman Thompson, a mechanic for ace pilot Eddie Rickenbacker; John A Grafft, well-known local doctor and city councilman; Father James McNary, longtime priest of Holy Trinity parish in Middletown, Louise Gertrude Hoerner, an unselfish practicing nurse; Distinguished Service Cross winner John Crocker; and Croix de Guerre winner and Military Hall of Fame for Valor honoree John M. Fackey. Several other men and women who served will be included in the exhibit.

The historical society’s year-long exhibit will be open and can be visited before or after Vascik’s presentation.

The Butler County Historical Society is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Group tours of the Benninghofen House Museum can be arranged by calling 513-896-9930.