“From Bill Haley to Buddy Holly: The History of Rock and Roll,” continues the “Thursdays at the Museum” program series at the History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Springs.  Music historian Allen Snyder will present the program on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the History Center (1839 Courthouse Museum) at 313 N. Cass St. in Berrien Springs. Admission is free.

The multi-media program uses music clips and PowerPoint images to explore the early history of Rock and Roll. The new genre originated in the 1950s, derived from elements of blues, country, gospel and African-American music.

Snyder’s program focuses on Rock and Rol’s “Golden Age” of 1955-1959, from Bill Haley’s first hits to “The Day the Music Died,” when Buddy Holly, J.P. (Big Bopper) Richardson, and Ritchie Valens were killed in an airplane crash.

The History Center offers free programs every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. through Aug. 13. For more information about the series, contact The History Center at Courthouse Square at (269) 471-120.