Why did Germany fly off the rails, and how could her history have been different?  On Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Marion Music Hall at 7 p.m., Dr. Kirtland Mead will explore this question. In this centennial year of World War I, any student of European or world history must ask why Germany, which had been so civilized and orderly, became unstable around 1900 and led Europe into two world wars.

During his presentation, Dr. Mead will "unpack" German history, beginning with the Roman Empire, proceeding through the key medieval and early modern centuries, and culminating in the 19th century leading up to 1914.

This presentation is co-sponsored by the Sippican Historical Society and the Elizabeth Taber Library, and is offered to the public for free.  No reservations are necessary.  For more information, email info@sipppicanhistoricalsociety.org or call 508-748-1116.