DAPHNE, Ala. — The next program of the Baldwin County Historical Society will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 at the Daphne Senior Center at 2605 Highway 98 in Daphne.

The program’s theme will be Aaron Burr in lower Alabama.

Dr. O. Lawrence Burnette Jr. will speak to the Baldwin County Historical Society on “Aaron Burr in Lower Alabama.” 

Long interested in the Burr Conspiracy, Burnette will base his presentation on original research done for his history of Baldwin County.

As he is fond of saying, “The activities of Aaron Burr constitute the most important events that almost happened in Baldwin County, and the long-term consequences, had they succeeded, would have been truly mind-altering.” 

Burnette was born in Bethel, N.C., and grew up in Richmond, Va.  He was educated at the University of Richmond and the University of Virginia. 

Following service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he held teaching or administrative positions at the Virginia Military Institute, the state Historical Society of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin, Birmingham-Southern College and Stratford College. 

A specialist in American diplomatic and constitutional history, he is the author of several works in his field, and in 2006, at the invitation of the Baldwin County Commission, he published “Coastal Kingdom: A History of Baldwin County, Alabama.”

He also served 43 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve as an intelligence officer, retiring with the rank of Captain, USNR.

Since 1996, he has made his home in Lillian. In addition to actively researching and writing history, he lectures at the University of West Florida.  

Light refreshments will be provided. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

The Baldwin County Historical Society was founded in 1923 to bring citizens of Baldwin County together to ensure the preservation of the rich heritage of this area.