Author Beth Luey will tell the story of Henry Huttleston Rogers, Standard Oil tycoon and benefactor of Fairhaven, at the Wareham Historical Society’s May 21 meeting at 7 p.m. Rogers donated Fairhaven’s library, town hall, high school, and Unitarian Church buildings, and he built the town’s water system. Beyond Fairhaven, he supported hospitals in New York City and paid Helen Keller’s college tuition. Luey will explore the contradictions between his ruthless business behavior and his charitable benevolence.

Luey was a director of the Public History Program at Arizona State University until her retirement in 2006. She is the author of 10 books, including most recently “House Stories: The Meanings of Home in a New England Town.” She will sell and sign that book after the talk.

The meeting will be held at the Methodist Meeting House, 495 Main St.  Admission is free for members and costs $2 for the public. Refreshments will be served after the program.