The Fluvanna Historical Society, as part of its on-going popular lecture series, is hosting Dennis Bigelow performing as President James Monroe, fifth president of the United States. The program will be on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. in Fluvanna’s historic courthouse in Palmyra. Entrance is by donation.

Dennis Bigelow, a Fluvanna resident, has served as the costumed President Monroe at Ash Lawn-Highland, Monroe’s historic home near Monticello. A Fortune 500 communications specialist and Screen Actors Guild performer, Bigelow anchored “Today in Banking” for Satellite Conference Network.

“We are delighted to have such a wonderful interpreter of the life of President Monroe participate in our lecture series. I’m sure we will learn much about Monroe’s dedicated service to the people of this country during the War of 1812,” said Society President Marvin Moss.

President Thomas Jefferson, President James Monroe and Fluvanna’s own Gen. John Hartwell Cocke were the initial incorporators of the University of Virginia. In fact President Monroe was asked by Jefferson to lay the cornerstone at the university—one of America’s first experiments in innovative higher education. Monroe went on to concentrate his efforts in establishing the role of the United States in the world and his Monroe Doctrine of 1823 became a bedrock of U.S. foreign policy.

The Fluvanna Historical Society is a member organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Fluvanna’s history. With more than 500 members, it is one of the largest public organizations in Fluvanna County. The public is invited to attend Bigelow’s program. For more information, contact Judy Mickelson at (434) 589-7910 or at the society’s website.