COURTLAND—The life and times of Southampton County native Colgate Whitehead Darden Jr. will be the focus of a presentation by John Quarstein, a regional historian. The free program, sponsored by the Southampton County Historical Society, will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22, in the administration building in Courtland.

Some of the features of Darden’s life to be discussed include his service in World War I, his political career as a delegate in the Virginia General Assembly and later in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was the 54th governor of Virginia, serving from 1942-1946. Darden went on to become chancellor of The College of William and Mary and president of the University of Virginia. He died on June 9, 1981.

“We try to do programs on different faces of local history,” said Lynda Updike, president of the historical society. “He is so prominent as a native son, we felt like now might be a good time to do that program. He is one of our native sons who will be featured in the museum once it’s finalized. We’re trying to collect memorabilia.”

Following the presentation, a reception of lemonade and cookies will be served down the street at the Rochelle-Prince House. The Museum of Southampton History will be open before and after the meeting.