Andover resident and author Ellen Alden will speak at the March 12 White Fund lecture.

Several years ago, Andover resident Ellen Alden found a leather box in her attic filled with 19 Civil War era letters composed by her great-great-grandfather. These letters became the basis for her novel “Yours Faithfully, Florence Burke,” which she will discuss during the Sunday, March 12, White Fund lecture.

The White Fund, in partnership with Northern Essex Community College, will host the lecture at Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitor’s Center, One Jackson Street, Lawrence at 2 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.

The letters were written by her ancestor Florence Burke, an Irish immigrant, who for more than a decade had lived in near-poverty as a tenant farmer. He recognizes that land ownership is the key to prosperity and makes a decision that alters his life. It’s a novel of enduring faith, bravery, and the indestructible bond of family. Similar to the challenges immigrants still face today, this story speaks of the sacrifices families make to improve their lives.

Alden is a graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont. She received a teaching degree from Pepperdine University and attended Merrimack College Graduate School of Education.

For additional information on Alden or the novel visit her website.

The White Fund’s purpose is to have a free series of interactive presentations for Lawrence area adults, youth, and children. The audience is encouraged to seek wisdom, cultural enrichment, and intellectual enhancement by attending and participating.

The views expressed in the White Fund Enlightenment Series Presentations are the views of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Northern Essex Community College.

Funded by a generous financial gift from the Honorable Daniel Appleton White, the White Fund Lecture Series has provided cultural conversation featuring well-known lecturers in fields such as history, literature, travel, the arts, and politics. The White Fund is collaborating with Northern Essex on this series.

For additional information or to be notified of upcoming events in the White Fund Enlightenment Series, contact Analuz Garcia at agarcia@necc.mas.edu or call 978-738-7423 or visit the website.