The first lecture of the season, The Somerville I Didn’t Know, will focus on the influences that Africans, West Indians, and African Americans had on the early years of development of the city from 1630-1860. Alice Mack, a native of Somerville, a poet and history teller who has been studying African-American history for several decades, will deliver the talk.

Kathleen Walcott, a member of the Cambridge African American Heritage Trail Committee, will give a brief introduction that includes life stories of present day Somerville African American residents. Sunday, February 24, 2:30-3:30 p.m. with reception to follow. Somerville Museum, One Westwood Road, Somerville. Free for Historic Somerville members, $8 suggested donation for other attendees. For more information visit the website at: http://www.historicsomerville.org or email info@historicsomerville.org. You may also call 617-625-5809.