“The Boys in the Boat” is a 2023 American biographical sports drama film produced and directed by George Clooney from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith, based on the 2013 book of the same name by Daniel James Brown.

This is a true story set in the 1930s and centered on the University of Washington’s rowing team, from their Depression-era beginnings to winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Lopez Island has a special connection to this story, as a longtime resident, John White, was one of the boys in the boat. The Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, Lopez Island Historical Society and Lopez Island Library are coming together to host a wonderful program centered on “The Boys in the Boat” this Friday, April 19 from 5-8:30 p.m. at the community center.

This special evening will begin with a community potluck and show-and-tell of actual memorabilia presented by Colby White, Jr., John White’s grandson. There will also be stories shared by Lopezians who knew John White. Participants are encouraged to come at 5 p.m. with a delicious dish to share, their own place settings including plate, utensils, a cup and a beverage, and join the community for a Lopez-style sharing about this historic rowing team and Olympic gold medalists. From 6-6:30 p.m. there will be a program presented by the Lopez Historical Society. The full screening of the movie will begin at 6:30 pm.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.lopezlibrary.org.