Historic readings in Lafayette

Lafayette - The Six Centuries Club concludes its exploration of America in the 1500s on Saturday, March 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the historic 1841/1857 Gustin-Campbell House on Route 15. The program will feature the reading of seven documents, each one a first-hand account written in America in each decade from the years 1540 to 1600. Readers will be club president David Messineo, and other club member-poets. Admission is $10 and coffee and rum-flavored tea will be served on fine china at no extra charge. Seating is limited. “Among these seven documents are some that are so rare they are neither published in books nor available on the Internet,” Messineo said. “I located some in archives in Florida while doing research there on our two Sensations Magazine issues about America in the 1500s and 1600s. Participants in this one-time event will be among the few to hear the authentic words written by people in the time period, as the events are happening, rather than watered down through successive printings and editors.” The documents include “descriptions of some unusual Native American customs, attire and habits, along with experiences of conquistadors and others,” according to Messineo. The event will conclude with a discussion of the documents, including participant feedback. Individuals or couples who bring a payment for $30 on March 7, will become 2009 club members, and the remaining parts of the series become free to attend. Space is limited to 20 individuals and pre-registration is required; go to www.sensationsmag.com. In case of snow, a snow date is posted on the Web site. The private club, based in Lafayette, is seeking additional Sussex County members for 2009. While historians and poets are welcome, the series is designed for the average person who simply would like to learn a bit more about American history.