ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove Historical Society announced its slate of presenters for its 2025 Speaker Series kicking off in January. 

The series will start on Jan. 20 with Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, who will speak on her family’s ancestry and her Sikh culture. 

The following month on Feb. 17, novelist Amy Gorder will speak on her second book, “Ghosts of Winter.” The book is aimed at children and uses the Historical Society’s museum as a backdrop. 

On March 17, Andrei Pischalnikoff, also known as Dr. R. Snick, will host a 90-minute presentation on “The Origin of the American Medicine Show.” The program will explore the origins of patent medicine shows put on by so-called “snake-oil salesmen” that started in England before gaining traction in the United States. 

Dave Lema, founder of the Linda Mae Mahon Lema Foundation, will follow April 21 with a collection of audiocasts of local pioneers sharing their stories. 

The series will wrap up Oct. 20 when Bob Crowley and other members of the Expedition Team will speak on “Survivors and Heroes: The Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party.” 

Spaces on May 19, June 16 and Sept. 15 have not been scheduled as of press time. 

The speaker series is free to the public and takes place at the Presbyterian Church at 8153 Elk Grove Blvd., Suite 50. Doors open at 6 p.m. and each presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. Snacks are also provided. 

In other Historical Society News, Bret Bartholomew officially began his term as president of the Elk Grove Historical Society, replacing outgoing President Stan Lake. 

“It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I step into the role of President of the Elk Grove Historical Society,” Bartholomew said in the latest issue of the Stage Stop Gazette, the Historical Society’s newsletter. “…As a seventh-generation resident of the area and a proud life member of this Society, I am deeply committed to building on the remarkable foundation that each of you has helped establish.”

Michael Vargas was named first vice president and Barbara Claire was named second vice president; Jeanette Lawson was named treasurer; Pam Phelps was named recording secretary and Cindy Mahon was named corresponding secretary.