First event in Evelyn Seward Speaker Series is March 20

COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Historical Society invites the public to the first Evelyn Seward Speaker Series event of 2026 on Friday, March 20, when author Dr. Byron James Cartwright will present "Roots and Rabbit Holes: A History of Music in Columbus."

The talk is based on Dr. Cartwright’s newest book, Amazing Sounds in a Midwestern Town: Columbus, Indiana: Small City with a Big Musical Heritage.

Dr. Cartwright will share insights and stories concerning famous Columbus leaders, as well as influential – but little-known – musical movers and shakers of a bygone era.    

Copies of Amazing Sounds in a Midwestern Town will be available for purchase at the event.   

Roots and Rabbit Holes will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Helen Haddad Hall, 315 Franklin St., in Columbus. Admission is free thanks to funding provided by the Evelyn Seward Speaker Series Endowment.