Talcott Free Library begins its new lecture series, 'Why We Celebrate: A History of Cultural Heritage Months in America,' with Stanley Arnold, Associate Professor of History at Northern Illinois University, who will discuss the origins of Black History month, how it has evolved and why it is still important today. A Q & A session follows. Open to teens and adults.

Stanley Arnold earned his BA in history from Niagara University and his MA and PhD degrees from Temple University. He is the author of "Building the Beloved Community: Philadelphia's Interracial Civil Rights Organizations, 1930-1970." His work has appeared in the Journal of American History, the American Historical Review and the Journal of Sports History. He is currently writing a book on African Americans and the Olympic Games (1896-1948).