Eufaula’s renowned historian and unstoppable traveler Roger Thompson will speak on one of his favorite topics at the 11:30 a.m. July 19 luncheon of Friends of the Eufaula Memorial Library. His subject will be Winston Churchill — a man he has honored throughout his lifetime by wearing what is now his signature bow tie.

The information he gives will be the most up to date he’s ever presented because of recently returning from a trip that included a visit to Churchill’s birthplace, his home at Chartwell, and his grave at St. Martin’s Church. That trip proceeded to Normandy, and then on to Versailles and Paris in France.

Thompson’s trips started in 1982 as a way to expand his high school students’ knowledge of history beyond the classroom. He has traveled with as few as ten students and as many as 60 who went with him to Italy.

Tour companies have asked him to take groups, but he’s always nixed the idea. His tours are for education, not vacation. “Not springbreak type things,” Thompson said.

Their popularity is evidenced by Eufaula High School graduates who sign up for trips years after they’ve graduated.

Some from many years ago travel with him, bringing their children, and later grandchildren.

Thompson recently retired from his job as EHS history teacher, where he taught from 1991.

Future trips, he promises, will be announced to the public and open to people interested in educational journeys.

The Friends are honored to have him speak at the $6 July 19 luncheon which is open to the public—reservations not necessary.

It will be in the library, which will be open following repairs.

All attending will have an opportunity to join the Friends ($5 yearly dues) which supports many library programs.

To join or volunteer, contact FEML@gmail. com or call our president, Gail Rose at 918770-2440.