Meeting to focus on local history

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » Anyone interested in a forming a Local History Roundtable is invited to an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton St., Ballston Spa.

Participants will share ideas and meet others interested in sharing research and planning future gatherings.

At 7 p.m., author-historian Jim Richmond will present his new book, “Milton, New York: A New Town in a New Nation.”

Richmond will share information gleaned from his research. He wrote the book with Kim McCartney and Karen Staulters in honor of the town’s 225th anniversary. It features the stories of residents, industries, farms, schools and organizations in Milton.

Books will be available for purchase at the conclusion of the program.

This program is free and open to the public, although donations are accepted.

On Tuesday, Brookside will host two Herb Window Basket classes from 1-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m.

The cost is $32, which includes a kit for basket making.

Basket makers of all levels are welcome. New students will learn the basics of traditional basket weaving, while experienced weavers can improve their skills.

Instructor Mary Ann Filkins Halsted has been weaving baskets for over 30 years.

Participants should bring the following items to class — hand towel, pencil, utility knife, awl or ice pick, kitchen scissors or pruning shears and a dozen heavy-duty spring clothes pins. Herb plants are not included in this project, but local garden shops will be recommended to fill baskets.

Pre-registration is required by April 29. E-mail: education@ brooksidemuseum.org or call (518) 885-4000 and provide name, e-mail address, phone number, and mailing address.