The Dexter family has left its mark on American history — including on the village that bears its name.

Frank Wilhelme, co-founder and former president of the Dexter Area Historical Society, will present an illustrated talk about the “Dexters of Massachusetts: Washtenaw County’s Connection to a Prominent American Family” at the Dexter District Library on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.

Wilhelme, a former Dexter High School teacher, is expected to focus on three generations of Dexters, whose roots were primarily in Michigan and the Midwest, according to information provided by the Dexter Area Historical Society and Museum.

These include Judge Samuel W. Dexter, a Michigan pioneer and founder of the village of Dexter; his son, Wirt Dexter, a prominent businessman and noted attorney who led the rebuilding of Chicago following the Great Fire of 1871; and his daughter, Katharine Dexter McCormick, a leader in the struggle for women’s rights.

More information, will be available as the event draws closer.

Lisa Allmendinger is a reporter with AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Dexter stories, visit our Dexter page.