The November 1 meeting of the Green County Genealogical Society is “New France in Illinois and Wisconsin” presented by Mark Peterson.

The presentation is at 10 am in the Monroe Public Library community room on the second floor. The presentation is free and open to the public

The presentation looks at the years 1524-1763 when the French explored and then settled in  North America, including Wisconsin (Wis-kon-sa) and Illinois (Il-len-noh-wa). It examines the French relations with the Native Americans. It examines what happened to the French and Native Americans in their conflicts with the British. Today’s French sites such as Portage, WI and Fort De Chartres, Il and others are reviewed.

Mark Peterson has been teaching history for Lifelong Learning at Highland Community College since 2017. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served six years aboard ships based in South Carolina and Greece. Mark earned his B.A. and M.A. in History from Southern Illinois University Carbondale before beginning a decades-long teaching career in HVAC controls, history, and adult education. His work has taken him to 41 states, four Canadian provinces, and countries including Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, and France. From 2004 to 2018, he taught Historical Methods for Adult Learning at Concordia University in Beloit, Wisconsin. After retiring in 2009, Mark continued teaching in northern Illinois schools and spent several summers as a campground host at Mt. Rainier National Park. Having traveled to all 50 states and 19 countries, Mark brings global insight and enthusiasm for history to presentation.

If you have any questions about the meeting or presentation, call Donna at 608-921-1537. The GCGS Research Center (located in the lower level of the Monroe Public Library) is open to the public for research Tuesdays 10 am-3 pm. Other times available by appointment. The phone number is 608-328-7436 and the website is www.greencogenealogywi.org