Have some pie and a side dish of history Thursday at Meeting House Hall

SOUTHWICK — The Historical Society is sponsoring a free pie social at the Meeting House Hall at 222 College Highway Thursday which will be followed by a free presentation by Dennis Picard about the Hessians of the Revolutionary War.

“Join us for a pie social to enjoy some delicious pies donated by local businesses and society members and learn about the Hessian prisoners of war,” according to an invitation from the society.

The pie social starts at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, which will be followed by a business meeting for the society at 6:30 p.m., followed by Picard’s presentation at 7 p.m.

It is being held at 222 College Highway, which is the former Methodist Church.

The program will focus on the experience of German prisoners of war during the American Revolution in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.

The “Hessians,” as they were collectively called, served with the British forces under contract to King George III. Many of these troops passed through Western Massachusetts after their surrender at Saratoga as well as POWs that worked on farms in town. Several Hessians settled in the Berkshires after the war as well.

Picard had been a museum professional in the “Living History” field for over 30 years. He began his career at Old Sturbridge Village where he eventually spent over a decade filling various positions including “lead interpreter” where he researched and designed many public programs that are still offered by the village today.

He also is the recipient of various grants that allowed him to serve as project coordinator for research and implementation of programs and events at different sites.

Next up for the society is the annual Tri-Town History Trail scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Five historic places in Westfield, Southwick, and Granville will be open to the public at no charge on that day including Noble and Cooley Center For Historic Preservation, at 42 Water St., Granville, the Westfield Athenaeum, at 6 Elm St., Westfield, The Dewey House at 87 South Maple St., Westfield, and The Old Burying Ground at 45 Mechanic St., Westfield.

The society will also have its 13th annual “Walk with Southwick Spirits” at the Old Southwick Cemetery is Oct. 25 from 1-4 p.m. Reservations are necessary.

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