GEORGETOWN — John W. Neff and Howard R. Whitcomb will lead an illustrated lecture and sign their book, “Baxter State Park and Katahdin,” July 16 at 7 p.m. at Georgetown Historical Society, 20 Bay Point Road.

In an illustrated lecture Neff and Whitcomb will share their vast knowledge of the Katahdin region’s history and the creation of their book. The book draws on rich collections of archival images, many never published, dating back to the 19th century.

Included among the topics discussed will be tales of the native peoples; accounts of early scientific explorations; chronicles of adventurers, including Henry David Thoreau’s visits to Maine’s north woods in the 1840s and 1850s; and the spirited era of logging and sporting camps.

In the 20th century when calls for preservation went unheeded, former Gov. Percival P. Baxter purchased 201,000 acres over a period of 30 years and gifted them to the state.

Today, Baxter State Park is the guardian of this vast wilderness for all to enjoy.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Neff is a retired pastor of the United Methodist Church who lives in Winthrop. Whitcomb, a Georgetown resident, is professor emeritus of political science at Lehigh University.

This event is free.