Historian Roger Thompson to headline

The Eufaula Area Arts Council’s annual Christmas dinner will feature Eufaula’s beloved historian and quintessential traveler whose topic will be “How Christmas Started and Surged.” Roger Thompson will headline the 6 p.m. dinner at the Chamber of Commerce, 301 N. Main Street, Eufaula, on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Thompson, retired Eufaula High School history teacher, is renowned for arranging dozens of educational trips for his students, many who came back to travel with him well after graduation. He is also known for the variety of historical speeches he has presented to local audiences.

For the EAAC dinner, he will trace the development of Christmas from its beginning with St. Nicholas of Myra in 323 AD through the holiday’s increasing popularity that came with the publication of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, “The Christmas Carol.”

Adapted numerous times for film stage, opera, and other media, it tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser whose visit by three ghosts transforms him into a kinder, generous person.

Thompson’s speech will be followed by a short musical presentation by students of Selina Jayne-Dorman, EAAC president and Eufaula High School drama instructor.

The free dinner and entertainment are open for all EAAC members and guests, and there’s still time to become a member and attend.

Go to www.eufaulaareaarts. org, click on “membership” and follow the directions.

Individual memberships are $25, and family 4-person membership is $50.

EAAC members receive regular newsletters; discounts on class fees; invitations to special events, exhibitions, and parties; notification for juried exhibitions, plus volunteer, networking, and leadership opportunities.