Historical Society schedules program on George Washington’s hair for Sunday afternoon

QUINCY — Keith Beutler, author of the intriguing book “George Washington’s Hair,” will present a program at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, at the History Museum on the Square, 332 Maine.

Beutler’s book explores the history of collecting hair from loved ones and famous personages, including Washington. He introduces many of the collectors of Washington’s hair discovered through his extensive research, including a taxidermist, a storyteller, an evangelical preacher and a schoolmistress. He has developed a map showing where locks of the Founding Father’s hair are today.

The collected hair, often turned into art, jewelry and even used in scientific experiments years ago, is still sought after today by memorabilia companies such as Topps and Upper Deck.

Beutler teaches history and political science at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. The recipient of many teaching awards, he has received research fellowships from such organizations as the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Fred W. Smith National Library for the study of George Washington at Mount Vernon.

The program is presented by the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County and sponsored by HSQAC member Beth Young. It is free and open to the public.