The Schuylkill County Historical Society is hosting events on Jan. 29 and 30 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of John O’Hara’s birth.

O’Hara is often credited with creating what’s known as the “New Yorker story,” publishing more short fiction in that magazine than any other author. An American master of the genre, he published hundreds of shorts and novellas over four decades, including his Gibbsville (or Pottsville) stories.

The Local Reads Book Club will discuss O’Hara’s novel “Appointment in Samarra,” which is set in a fictionalized version of Schuylkill County, at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29, at the Schuylkill County Historical Society, 305 N. Centre St., Pottsville. For more information, check the Society’s Facebook page or T102 Radio’s Local Reads website.

The society will also present “Three by O’Hara” on Jan. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at its building. Local actors Maryann Conway and Anthony Kurdilla will read three John O’Hara short stories: “Over the River and through the Wood,” “Too Young” and “Family Evening.” Rex Roberts, who was associate editor of the John O’Hara Journal, and Society newsletter editor Lisa Von Ahn will lead discussions. Snow date is 2 p.m. Feb. 1. For information on fees, contact the Society at 570-622-7540.