The Herrin Area Historical Society’s first program of the year will feature John Shaw, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute in Carbondale. He will speak Friday, January 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Herrin City Library.

Shaw lived in Washington DC for more than twenty years, reporting on Congress for a global wire service and contributing to a diplomatic magazine. He has written more than one hundred profiles and book reviews, and in recent years he’s authored five books, the most recent of which is Rising Star, Setting Sun: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and the Presidential transition that Changed America. This title, the focus of his HAHS talk, is a riveting account that explores the complicated and poignant transition of power from Eisenhower to Kennedy. The book is available locally from Barnes & Noble.

This event is part of the Herrin Area Historical Society’s Guest Lecture Series. It is free and open to the public. For details call 618-727-0432.