The Galien Woods Historical Society will meet Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Galien American Legion, 402 North Cleveland Ave., Galien.
Following a short business meeting, a program will be presented by department historian Chris Lyon and Lt. Mike Kline of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.
The program will include the story of the gunning down of 25-year-old St. Joseph police officer Charles Skelly by Fred “Killer” Burke on the night of Dec. 14, 1929.
What happened after that and who was he really?
Burke was one of Al Capone’s mobsters and was known to his Stevensville neighbors by the name of Fred Dane. It also tells the story of the connection between southwest Michigan and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Lyon and Kline make about 50 presentations per year about this piece of history and also will have on display items confiscated on Fred Burke’s arrest, including sub machine guns used in the St. Valentine Massacre and a bulletproof vest.
Members and the public are all welcome to and there is no charge to attend.
For further information, call Juanita Swank at (269) 545-2265.