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thelibrary.org Springfield-Greene County Library District Springfield, Missouri

Civil War Fair Has Something for All

September 11, 2009 — Whether your interest in the Civil War is from a research, hobby or genealogy perspective, make plans now to attend Saturday’s [September 19] Civil War Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the auditorium at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Avenue.

Sponsored by the Mary Whitney Phelps Tent [Chapter] of the Daughters of Union Veterans and the Springfield-Greene County Library District, this all-day event will include special presentations and opportunities for one-on-one genealogy research assistance.

“As we celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth this year and approach the sesquicentennial of the Civil War in 2011, it’s important that we bring all of the Civil War-related organizations together and work to preserve the memories of the impact of the conflict and the 16th President,” said Daughters of Union Veterans chapter President Sally Bueno. 

Presenters for the day include Missouri State University Professor Emeritus Hal Funk, who will explore the life of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, Local History Librarian John Rutherford and Historian Brian Grubbs, coordinator for “Community and Conflict: The Impact of the Civil War in the Ozarks,” the Library District’s latest digitization project.

If genealogy is your interest, then be sure to catch Rutherford’s presentation at 12:30 p.m., “How to Trace Your Civil War Ancestors,” when he will explain how the library’s extensive genealogy resources can assist in your research.

“We’ll focus primarily on those from Missouri, but we’ll be able to assist those with ancestors from other states,” said Rutherford. “As long as the individual they seek was of the age to have fought in the Civil War.”

If you have Civil War artifacts bring those with you and after his presentation on “Community and Conflict,” Historian Brian Grubbs will examine your items for historical significance and possible inclusion in the digitized collection.

Other organizations will be available to assist with research and provide information, including Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Civil War Round Table of the Ozarks and more. The event is free and no registration is required. Feel free to bring a sack lunch or dine at the Mudhouse.     

Sarah Jane Rosendahl, copywriter for the Springfield-Greene County Library District, can be reached at sarahr@thelibrary.org.


PRESS CONTACTS

Vickie Hicks
Community Relations Director
vickieh@thelibrary.org
(417) 616-0564
Morgan Shannon
Copywriter
morgans@thelibrary.org
(417) 616-0566

Find this article at http://thelibrary.org/press/article.cfm?aid=455


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