The history of agriculture in these mountains will be explored at one of three upcoming programs by Curtis Wood, an author, editor and professor emeritus from Western Carolina University’s history department.

Some 50 percent of Appalachia’s earliest European settlers were “Scots-Irish,” the largest ethnic group among early settlers. These pioneer farmers introduced crops from their homeland such as sweet potatoes, tobacco and apples, as well growing native vegetables to the Americas such as corn and squash. Typical livestock included hogs, cattle and sheep. Wood will focus on the evolution of Appalachian agriculture into the 20th century.

The programs are:

• Nov. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Swain Extension Center located on 60 Almond School Road, Bryson City.

• Nov. 9 from 9:30-10 a.m. at the Jackson Extension Center, located on 538 Scotts Creek Road, Sylva.

• Nov. 10 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Cashiers Library, 249 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers.

828.586.4009 or 828.488.3848.