NORWAY — While chewing on a homemade piece of hardtack, attendees can listen to local history buff Peter Hammond’s program “Battlefield Life in the Civil War” at the Norway Museum and Historical Society, 471 Main St., at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Hammond was inspired by the museum’s collections of medical and weaponry, photographs, letters and historical materials published by and about Norway’s Civil War soldiers. As he shows a particular artifact, he will discuss what story each one reveals about battles and true life on the battlefield, not the Hollywood version.

After retiring from teaching at Oxford Hills High School, Hammond has had more time to satisfy his curiosity about local history. He has written and published Hunneman Hose Carts & Buffalo, a book about 165 years of firefighting in Norway. He has given talks about his research into Norway’s railroads and the town’s trolley among others topics. In addition, he has volunteered as a motorman/conductor on trolleys at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport.

Following his talk, the audience can view the exhibit of the museum’s memorabilia, chat with other local amateur historians as they enjoy homemade cake with ice cream, and have their picture taken as a Civil War soldier in a display painted by Sharon Merrill.

For more information, visit www.norwayhistorcalsociety.org; email is norwayhistory@gmail.com; or call 207-743-7737.

Peter Hammond poses as a Civil War soldier in preparation for his program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Norway Museum and Historical Society, 471 Main St.