Come see this informative and impressive presentation by Jerry Klima about the effect of erosion and accretion of sand that radically changed the shape of PI and Salisbury Beach from 1800 to 1900, and the actions people took to control the changes.  Included are historical maps from the late 1700s to the early 1900s showing the changing shapes of Plum Island and the mouth of the Merrimack River, as well as period photos of building the jetties, the coal trade, and early shipping.  Jerry has been a summer visitor to Plum Island since the 80s, and has lived on Rings Island since 1998.

A Selectman in Salisbury since 2004, he has been active in building the rail trails that are part of the Coastal Trails Network. He has a very strong interest in local history and nature, and enjoys giving people access to both, via slideshows, videos, and the interpretive signs along Salisbury’s trails. The program will be at the Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb Street, Newburyport.