Medford, OR (June 24, 2026) – In honor of our nation’s 250th birthday, this upcoming talk will review the events, personalities, and context of Jackson County’s past American Independence celebrations. Some surprises are in store! The first lecture will take place at the Medford Library on Wednesday, July 1 at 12:00 PM. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, another will happen the following week on Wednesday, July 8 at 12:00 PM at the Ashland Library.
Presenter Jeff LaLande has been a resident of the Rogue Valley since 1969. He graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and later received his M.A. in archaeology from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Oregon. He had a 30-year career with the U.S. Forest Service as an archaeologist and historian. He has published articles and several books on regional history.
The monthly Windows in Time lunchtime lectures feature well-known writers and historians and bring alive the people, values, and events that shaped our Southern Oregon heritage. Lectures are jointly sponsored by the Southern Oregon Historical Society (SOHS) and Jackson County Library Services. Programs are presented in Medford (first Wednesdays) and again in Ashland (second Wednesdays). Recordings of Medford presentations are available on the JCLS Beyond YouTube channel.