NEW SCOTLAND — Christopher White will present a program on the devastating impact of World War I on the Capital District’s German-American community.

He’ll speak at the New Scotland Historical Association by meeting on on Sunday, Feb. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center, off of Route 85 in New Salem.

The years from 1820 to 1910 were the high point of German culture and economic activity in the Capital Region. In 1900, there were close to 100 German clubs and Albany had five German singing societies.  World War I had a devastating impact on this community, changing it forever.

White is a lifelong Capital District resident, married with two daughters. He has two degrees in history from the University at Albany — a bachelor of arts and a master of arts — and has worked for Niagara Mohawk/National Grid for 25 years.  He has memberships and associations with many organizations, including several genealogical societies, Association for Gravestone Studies, and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

The program is free and open to the public.  For further information, call (518) 765-4212.

Editor’s note: Ethie Moak is the publicity chairwoman for the New Scotland Historical Association.