UNION — The Union Historical Society will host "Dear Stephen: An Autographic Journey through the 20th Century" on Saturday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m., at 128 Town House Road, in Union. The free program is open to the public and will feature a one-hour slide presentation, including time for questions. 

Presented by Katie Wilson, the program highlights the autograph collection of her late husband, Stephen May, whose family has been connected to Union as summer residents since 1927. May began collecting autographs as a teenager growing up in Rochester, New York, in the mid-1940s, eventually assembling approximately 1,400 signatures from notable figures of the era.

The collection includes signatures from people recognized for achievements in arts and letters, politics and government, the military, science, journalism, sports, and other fields. A major focus of the presentation is the lead-up to, conduct of, and aftermath of World War II, as reflected through the people whose autographs May collected.

As a young collector, May researched prominent individuals using Who’s Who publications, wrote thoughtful letters about their accomplishments, asked informed questions, and requested a signature. Some responded with a simple autograph on a 3-by-5 card, while others included poems, personal notes, greetings, or advice. 

Wilson’s presentation shares highlights from the collection and offers brief stories about the people behind the signatures.

"As the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, Dear Stephen offers a local connection to the people, events, culture, accomplishments, and innovations that helped shape the first half of the 20th century," said Union Historical Society, in a news release.

Event details: Saturday, June 26, 6:30 p.m., 128 Town House Road, Union. Free and open to the public. All are welcome. 

For more information: Contact Tracy Weed, Union Historical Society, at 207-785-5444.