The Greater Chuckatuck Historical Foundation is finalizing the contents of its book of the area’s history and hopes to have the book ready for purchase by December.

“We’re still working away,” said Conrad Haas, the co-chair of the foundation. “We plan to have it ready by Dec. 1. That way people can have them in time for Christmas.”

The book will be more than 200 pages long and will feature chapters of the area’s geography, scenery, historical events from different time periods and other topics.

The book will also come with a DVD, featuring some of the more than 80 interviews the group conducted while compiling the book and additional photos of the area, which includes Oakland, Everets, Wills Corner, Longview, Reid’s Ferry and Sandy Bottom.

Haas said the foundation will attach pre-sale order forms with the group’s annual report, which will be released in August.

The hardcover books will be $35 for pre-sale purchases and $40 after the book is released, he said.

Haas said the group also hopes to find local businesses to sell the book at their stores.

Haas said the members sent the book contents to their editors to look over, and the editor will be returning it in August for the foundation’s final approval.

The group has been gathering information and working to compete the book since early 2009, but Haas said he won’t breathe a sigh of relief until the book is completely ready.

“We’re pleased progress is being made, but as we go along, we’re learning there are more and more things to do,” he said.

Haas said the Chuckatuck Historical Foundation has received help and support throughout the book process from the Crittenden Eclipse Hobson Heritage Foundation, which worked to create “The River that Binds Us” about four years ago.

He said the group members shared their experiences with the publishing process, and those stories have been a big help for the Chuckatuck group.

For more information, visit the group’s website at www.chuckatuckhistory.com.