The Andover Historical Society, with a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities, will offer a Humanities to Go program, given by actor Michael Francis and entitled “Galileo Galilei, the Starry Messenger.” Free and open to the public, the program will take place at 7 PM on Thursday, June 20, at the Stone Chapel, 194 Main Street in Andover village.

“The Starry Messenger” is a dramatic, fun-filled  adaptation of Galileo’s short trea Siderius Nuncius,” published in 1610. Galileo (dressed in 17th century costume) arrives to present a public lecture on his most recent discoveries made by using his newly devised spyglass. Throughout the presentation, audience members are actively involved in experiments and demonstrations. After the lecture, Galileo answers questions about his experiments, his life and his times.

Michael Francis, a gifted actor, engages the audience from the first moment, and brings the history of science alive. He never sways from his character role which adds to the experience. “The Starry Messenger ” is an entertaining and enlightening evening, where science, mathematics and history come alive.

By combining science and theater, Francis has been able to reach audiences to instill an interest in the wonders of our universe. In addition to his programs in libraries, schools and civic organizations, he has presented at the Space Telescope Science Institute, Carnegie Science Center, the Franklin Institute, the National Air and Space Museum and astronomical conventions. Francis is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Actors Equity Association. He also belongs to the International Museum Theater Alliance, the International Planetarium Society, the Mid Atlantic Planetarium Society, and Solo Together.

Refreshments will follow the program.