CANASTOTA — The Canastota Public Library and the Canaltown Museum are sponsoring a Canalside Talk at the library on Wednesday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m.

Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz will talk about the role of women during World War II. Since March is Women’s History Month, the topic of Madison County women in this era seemed quite appropriate for this Canalside Talk.

Urtz will take a look at how women’s roles changed during World War II. As well, he will talk about how local women stepped up to assist in the war effort. Urtz was appointed the Madison County Historian in April of 2010. He has also served on the Cabinet of Freedom for the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, on the Board of Directors for the Preservation Association of Central New York and as the First Vice-President and Region 9 Coordinator for the Association of Public Historians in New York State.

Urtz’s articles have been published in multiple local and regional newspapers and magazines. He does over 30 public and private presentations a year on all things Madison County.

Last year, Urtz published his first book, “Honoring World War Casualties of Madison County.”

The Canalside talk will last about 45 minutes and will be followed by a short question and answer period. The presentation will take place on the second floor of the Canastota Public Library which is accessible through our elevator at the parking lot entrance.

The library is located at 102 W. Center Street in Canastota.