Did you know that almost a century ago a Ku Klux Klan group was active in the area? Learn about it on Thursday, May 26, at 6 p.m. at the Pine River Library.

In the 1980s, Jeff and Bob Bryson discovered what is thought to be one of the most complete collections of KKK records while renovating the loft above the Akers Garage on Mill Street in downtown Bayfield, just west of the Heritage Society Museum. Upon discovering the locked wooden box, the brothers first thought they had discovered a secret treasure, but instead they found signature cards identifying Klan members, minutes from Klan meetings, collections of pointed white hoods, and various other Klan insignia. The material went to the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College.

Combing through the center's archives, FLC history student Jessica Thulson became interested in the material from Bayfield she discovered there and wrote her senior thesis about the collection. She will present her findings at the library on May 26. Dr. Andrew Gulliford, FLC Professor of History and Environmental Studies, will also be on the panel to provide historical context for Bayfield and the 1920s.

"Like the somber collection of shoes in the Holocaust Museum, sometimes it can be hard to confront our history, but it is still vitally important," said Curt Brown, local history buff and co-organizer of the event.

To emphasize the importance of creating conversations around these kinds of events, the presentation will include a community discussion portion if any audience members would like to share their stories or opinions.

For more information, contact the library at 884-2222, ext. 510.