Part of understanding history is gaining an appreciation for how the past shapes the present and the future.

The Warren County Historical Society has an event planned this week aimed at just that with one of the county’s most defining characteristics — the Allegheny River.

“Current & Future of the Allegheny River” with Piper VanOrd is set for Thursday night in the Main Courtroom at the Warren County Courthouse at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

“Piper will share some of the spectacular photos that she’s taken throughout her extensive experience along the Allegheny River,” WCHS Managing Director Michelle Gray said. “Photos will feature the beauty, serenity, and excitement of the river as well as some of the creatures that call it home.

“She will walk us through what makes the Allegheny River so special and how the community has grown to embrace the Allegheny River over the last decade.”

After eight years as an air traffic controller in the US Navy, Gray explained, Piper moved home to Warren with her three children in 2006 and is “the author of the Allegheny River Paddling Guide and On the river and down the trail… Ten years adventuring in the Allegheny National Forest region of the Pennsylvania Wilds. She is one of the founding members of the annual Allegheny River Clean-up, ACA Level I and II Instructor certified, and a Leave No Trace Master Educator.

“She is the owner of Allegheny Outfitters which helps thousands of paddlers plan and conquer trips on a 107-mile stretch of the Allegheny River every summer.”

“From a community coming out to keep our river clean, to silly and stunning encounters with river critters; from reminding us to slow down and be more present, to helping folks find solace in hard times; and everything in-between, these photo stories offer a glimpse into the impact the Allegheny River has had and will continue to have, in our daily lives,” VanOrd said.