The Center for Sacramento History will host a free public talk with historian and author Beth Lew-Williams on her newly released book, John Doe Chinaman: A Forgotten History of Chinese Life Under American Racial Law.

The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Jean Runyon Little Theatre at Memorial Auditorium (1515 J Street).

Lew-Williams conducted part of her research for the book at the Center, drawing on 19th-century city and county archival records housed in its collections.

“We’re always excited to see the outcome of our researchers’ work,” said Center archivist Kim Hayden. “We’re looking forward to learning more about this important history and seeing how Beth used the records in our collection for her book.”

The evening will feature a Q&A session and book signing. Copies of John Doe Chinaman will be available for purchase.

The event is free, but registration is required. Those interested can register here.