Press Release
Contact: Melissa Marolt
Perry County District Library was recently nominated and selected for participation in the inaugural Smithsonian Associates Rural Library Program. This cohort is comprised of sixteen libraries from across the nation. Each library chosen will work with the Rural Initiative team at the Smithsonian to bring culturally rich, wonderfully unique programs to rural areas like Perry County. PCDL Director, Melissa Marolt shares, “Being selected for this opportunity is a true honor. We sincerely appreciate Megan Cremeans for nominating us for this cohort and we look forward to bringing exciting experiences to our county through this initiative.”
Smithsonian programs will be brought to Perry County audiences through a virtual environment. Participates in will have the ability to interact with the presenters and ask questions in real time.
The kick-off event will be held at Perry County District Library-New Lexington on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will be the first of a 5-program series, Taste of the Times. Each program will feature a small plate tasting directly related to the program presentation to follow, as well as a variety of fun elements along the way. The program line-up includes:
White House Memories: Recollections of the longest-serving Chief Usher with author Gary J. Walters, September 9, 6-8 p.m. (PCDL-New Lexington). From 1970 to 2007, Walters held the position of White House Chief Usher. Join us as he discusses these 37 years of service as the Executive Mansion’s general manager, and his stories of serving Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, G. H. W. Bush, Clinton, and G. W. Bush and their families.
Apples of Uncommon Character, with Rowan Jacobsen author of Apples of Uncommon Character, September 30, 6-8 p.m. (PCDL-New Lexington). “Jacobsen explores some of the most exotic, colorful, delicious, mysterious, and downright strange apples you’ll ever meet. Profiling some of the best and brightest, the oddballs and old veterans, Jacobsen tells the tale of the apple in America and reveals a world every bit as magical as it was over a century ago.” (Smithsonian Associates smithsonianassociates.org).
An Appalachian Journey: Skyline Drive to the Great Smokies with naturalist and interpreter Keith Tomlinson, October 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (PCDL-Somerset Branch). Join us on an exploration of almost 600 miles of breathtaking beauty. From the Shenandoah National Park to Asheville, North Carolina, Tomlinson will reveal the natural wonders and the rich history as we embark on this Appalachian journey.
Wings of Change: Tuskegee Airmen and the fight for equality with aviation expert Jerry Burton, a past president of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., October 28, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (PCDL Somerset Branch). This lecture begins with an introduction from Jeremy R. Kinney, associate director of research, collections, and curatorial affairs at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, then move into a fascinating look at the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, including their military achievements, their fight for equality, and their legacy that lives on today.
The American Table: 10 Cookbooks that shaped a nation with cultural historian Leslie Goddard, November 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (PCDL-New Lexington). Explore the evolution of American food as Goddard takes us on a fascinating journey through the pages of some of America’s most loved, and significantly influential cookbooks in this food culture experience.
To register for these programs, visit the library online calendar of events at www.pcdl.org. Questions? Contact Melissa Marolt at mmarolt@pcdl.org or 740.342.4194. Additional Smithsonian programs will be scheduled in the coming months.
All Smithsonian programs are brought to Perry County District Library by the Smithsonian Rural Initiative.