LVHM:

Dr. Jeremy Zallen, an Assistant Professor of History at Lafayette College, Easton, speaks about and signs copies of his new book, “American Lucifers: The Dark History of Artificial Light, 1750-1865,” 1 p.m. Oct. 26, Lehigh County Historical Society’s Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown.

“Far from telling a simple story of progress, Dr. Zallen investigates the dark changes brought by better lighting,” said Joseph Garrera, Executive Director of the Museum.

Zallen explores how better lighting came with a cost to people and the natural world. Sperm whales were hunted almost to extinction for their oil. Children employed to make matches by dipping sticks in toxic phosphorus died of “phossy jaw,” now known to be a form of cancer caused by inhaling phosphorus.

Information: lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org; 610-435-1074