The history and boom of ranch houses in four DeKalb neighborhoods will be the topic of the De­Kalb History Center’s Lunch and Learn Lecture Series on March 24.

Richard Cloues, a deputy state historic preservation officer, said the talk will be about Northwoods, Sargent Hills, Briarpark Court and Belvedere Park.

Melissa Forgey, the history center’s executive director, will present the results of the “Ranch House Initiative,” the center’s recent look at this midcentury housing type.

The initiative was developed to support DeKalb Commissioner Jeff Rader’s effort to understand the ranch house boom that occurred in the county throughout the mid- to late 20th century.

The noon lecture is free. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch. The Old Courthouse on the Square is at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and Clairmont Road in downtown Decatur. For more information, call Ben Zdencanovic at 404-373-1088, Ext. 23.