OXFORD – On Tuesday at 7 p.m., the Oxford Historical Society (OHS) is presenting a rich and timely topic for Spring, “Baseball from the Civil War Until 2012,” in the Community Room at the Oxford Memorial Library. An historic print from the Salisbury, N.C., Prisoner-of-War camp and photographs of Oxford teams through history will be shown and explained.

Did you know that during the Civil War both the Union and Confederate soldiers laid down their muskets to pick up a baseball? This diversion, played to help boost troop morale and maintain physical fitness, helped to popularize the game. Do you know the original name of the game?

After the war, many men brought the game they had learned near the battlefield, to their home towns. Come to the Oxford Memorial Library to get answers, learn more and see photographs of Oxford sports teams. Bill Searfoss and Society officers will be presenters. There will be a short business meeting before hand. This program is open to members and non-members, and will include another enticement: coffee, tea and sweet treats will be served.

Remember to take the alternate route to the Library due to the repair of the Main Street Bridge. The Oxford Memorial Library is located at 8 Fort Hill Park in Oxford. Tel: 843-6146.

The not for profit OHS hosts educational and cultural programs free to the public; however, contributions will be gladly accepted. For more info call: (821-1223 or email: Museum@ OxfordNY.com . On the web visit Museum. OxfordNY.com. To become a supporting member, annual dues are $12 per person or $20 per household.