The Brown County Historical Society invites the public to Lunch and a Bite of History on Thursday, Oct. 27. Featured speakers Terry Sveine and Tom Schmitz will present, “History of New Ulm’s Park and Recreation System: Part 1 (1848-1927)”. The presentation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in the Community Center Cafetorium, 600 North German St., New Ulm.

Aspects of Part 1 include: Post-1848 revolutions in Europe driving emigration to the United States; founding of New Ulm in 1854; Turners arrive and dominate “A Sound Mind, In a Sound Body” as a guide to athletics; a civic expectation of athleticism as part of a quality of life; platting New Ulm with ample parks; instituting parks into projected city growth; Turner exhibitions and gatherings, gymnastics popularity; organizing civic sports, gun clubs, bowling, baseball, ice skating, other sports; private parks, Turner Hall, tourist park in Hermann Park, Cicelian park (near CHS), Jr. Pioneer park; the first P&R dept. in 1927, the role of Fred Johnson as first director, organizing P&R into city operations/government, P&R board and its mission/directives.

Reservations are required. To make a reservation or for more information, email: education@browncountyhistorymn.org or call 507-233-2621. Admission is free.