As part of its lecture series, the Scarborough Society of Shepherd University, in collaboration with the Shepherdstown 250th Anniversary Celebration, will sponsor a program featuring Shepherdstown resident John C. Allen, Jr. on Thursday, Mar. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Scarborough Library reading room. Allen will discuss his new book Uncommon Vernacular: The Early Houses of Jefferson County, WV, 1735-1835. The program is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the lecture.

In this architectural exploration, Allen details his seven-year survey of the historic residences of Jefferson County. His perspective on the architectural innovations of 250 area dwellings reveals the region’s unique development and connects its housing to the rich history of the Shenandoah Valley.

Allen is a graduate of Tulane University. He currently serves on the board of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, as chair of the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission, and is a member of the Vernacular Architecture Forum and the Society of Architectural Historians.

This commemorative event is the first of several scheduled throughout the year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the charter of Shepherdstown. To learn more about the Shepherdstown 250th Anniversary Celebration, visit www.shepherdstown250.com.

The Scarborough Society is a friends of the library organization established in 2002 by the Shepherd University Foundation. Its annual membership dues help support library acquisitions, technology and programs. Membership is open to all interested supporters of the Scarborough Library. For more information about the lecture series or the Scarborough Society, contact the Shepherd University Foundation at 304-876-5397, or visit www.shepherd.edu/findtnweb/scarborough_society/.