Sunday Afternoon at the Library: Civil War Series

September 2011 — May 2012

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War,
the Addison Public Library presents this series of programs.

Each program begins at 2 pm.

Register in person, by phone at the Adult Services Desk, 630-458-3318, or online.

When online registration is available, a link will be activated.

 

The Private History of a Campaign That Failed
September 25, 2011

Songs of the Civil War
October 9, 2011

Elizabeth Van Lew: Southern Lady — Yankee Spy
November 6, 2011

The Civil War in General
January 29, 2012

Harriet Tubman
February 19, 2012

Hoop Skirts and Tea Cups: Civil War Women in Illinois
March 18, 2012

Music of the Civil War
April 15, 2012

Press Conference with President and Mrs. Lincoln
May 6, 2012

September 25
The Private History of a Campaign That Failed

I could have become a soldier if I had waited; I knew more about retreating than the man who invented retreating. – Mark Twain, 1885

Samuel L. Clemens speaks of exploits, prior, during, and after the Civil War. He shares reflections and comments of the conflict that pitted brother against brother and almost divided our country. Clemens was the next door neighbor to Harriet Beecher Stowe. Sam reveals the ideology they shared on warfare and slavery.

Sam explains how President Abraham Lincoln profoundly influences his life. Another story tells of two men, Mark Twain and U.S. Grant, who became close friends and collaborators and within 15 months, alters their lives and changes the course of American literature and history by publishing the Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in 1885.

Warren Brown presents an uproariously authentic characterization of Mark Twain’s stories and lecture series which promote an appreciation for humanity. It’s educational, inspirational, and historically amusing.


October 9
Songs of the Civil War

Sing along to well-known patriotic, sentimental, and comic songs with the Battlefield Balladeers. Enjoy the musical heritage of America’s Civil War along with humor and historic quotes as the Balladeers play acoustic guitar, banjo, harmonica, tambourine, and other period instruments while dressed in a variety of museum-quality uniforms.

The performers will introduce each selection with a quote about its popularity or importance from famous personalities of the era such as Abraham Lincoln, Mary Chestnut, and Mark Twain. The Balladeers have performed at the Abraham Lincoln Museum and the Chicago Historical Society.

November 6
Elizabeth Van Lew: Southern Lady — Yankee Spy

Elizabeth Van Lew was passionate about the preservation of the Union and the injustices of a slave society. When the Civil War broke out, Van Lew—a member of Richmond’s elite—vowed to help bring it to an end. By the middle of the war, she had a wide variety of accomplices in her spy ring who helped supply General Benjamin Butler and General Ulysses S. Grant with tactical and strategic information.

This intelligent, determined, and courageous woman who defied Southern and 19th century convention is brought to life through Annette Baldwin’s historical portrayal.  

January 29
The Civil War in General

Watch and hear the Union and Confederate generals of the American Civil War come to life in this unique presentation by portraitist and history buff Jim Weren. Through his uncanny drawings and historically sound narration, Weren provides insights into the character and personalities of ordinary men facing extraordinary circumstances. Learn the roles and influence the great generals played in this national conflict. Generals Lee, Jackson, Grant, McClellan, Longstreet, and others will be highlighted. Weren combines his award-winning drawings with a lively lecture.


February 19
Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was born a slave in Maryland’s Dorchester County to became one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railway. During a ten-year span she made 19 trips into the South and escorted more than 300 slaves to freedom, including many of her family members.

She was friends with many of the famous abolitionists of her day from William Lloyd Garrison to Frederick Douglass to Harriet Beecher Stowe. She aided John Brown in his assault on Harper’s Ferry. During the War she worked for the Union Army as a nurse, cook, and a spy. After the War, Tubman worked for women’s suffrage.

Pam Welcome concludes her presentation with a powerful spirit-and-song-filled characterization of Harriet Tubman alive and free.

Register online, click here.

March 18
Hoop Skirts and Teacups: Civil War Women in Illinois

Join The Tea Ladies for a tea party, hosted by the Friends of the Addison Public Library. Hear excerpts from ladies’ Civil War letters and journals as well as some amusing stories about hoop skirts and other feminine finery.

Register online, click here.


April 15
Music of the Civil War

Thanks to its unique lilting sounds, the hammered dulcimer seems made for such historical songs as the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “Home, Sweet, Home,” and others. Local folk musician Phil Passen plays and sings familiar music of the Civil War era and learn less familiar tunes such as “The Marching Song of the First Arkansas Regiment,” “Shiloh Hill,” and “John Brown’s Dream.” This rousing program of beautiful and inspirational music will have you tapping your toes.

Register online, click here.


May 6
Abraham Lincoln’s Press Conference

Have you ever wished you could be a member of the White House press corps? What questions would you have liked to ask President or Mrs. Lincoln at the end of the Civil War?

It is April 13, 1865, and you are a reporter from a newspaper in existence at the time of President and Mrs. Lincoln’s press conference. You can ask any question about the prosecution of the war, the president’s plans for the future of the nation, or the Lincolns themselves. 

Max and Donna Daniels, well-known portrayers of the Abraham and Mary Lincoln, provide handouts with sample questions, or you may ask whatever question you wish as long as you remember to phrase it in the context of April 13, 1865.

Register online, click here.