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Published January 30, 2013, 12:45 PM

Library’s Civil War event starts with a bang

Don’t mind the ‘kaboom’ sound around midday Sunday, Feb. 3, at the River Falls Public Library, 140 Union St. – it’s merely part of the kickoff for the Civil War-themed River Falls Reads program, which this year features Michael Shaara’s “The Killer Angels.”

  • Civil War demonstration Feb. 3
    • image
    As part of its Civil War-themed activities related to the River Falls Reads program, a cannon from that era will be fired at the public library.

Don’t mind the ‘kaboom’ sound around midday Sunday, Feb. 3, at the River Falls Public Library, 140 Union St. – it’s merely part of the kickoff for the Civil War-themed River Falls Reads program, which this year features Michael Shaara’s “The Killer Angels.”

He tells the story through the eyes of of Union and Confederate officers and offers a human perspective to the Battle of Gettysburg, a three-day fight that was a turning point in the war. That single battle involved more than 157,000 men, 51,000 of whom died.

River Falls Reads events

  • Sunday, Feb. 3, 1-3 p.m.: ‘The Civil War’ gallery exhibit opening reception, featuring a martial of arms and cannon firing, Civil War era songs of George Root performed by George Hanson and Phil Klacan, and a battlefield strategy session, plus the opportunity to mingle with costumed re-enactors.

  • Thursday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.: UWRF archivist Kathie Otto will give a talk on ‘Wisconsin in the Civil War’, sharing stories gleaned from letters, diaries and other documents of Civil War soldiers from our area.

  • Monday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.: Film ‘Glory’ starring Matthew Broderick.

  • Thursday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.: History professor Kurt Leichtle will present the ‘Civil War for Beginners’, an overview of the battles, major personalities and events.

  • Sunday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m.: David Midboe will give us a moving and entertaining afternoon of musical selections from the Civil War era. Not to be missed!

  • Monday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.: Film ‘Shenandoah’ with James Stewart.

  • Saturday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m.: Ken Martens will give a history of the evolution of military armaments during the Civil War.

  • Monday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.: Film ‘Young Mr. Lincoln’ starring Henry Fonda.

  • Sunday, March 3, 1:30 p.m.: Jessica Michna, a professional actress from Racine, will be presenting a compelling portrait of Mary Todd Lincoln.

  • Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m.: Civil War Field Medicine, a talk given by surgeon re-enactor Ken Martens.

Facilitated discussions about the book also take place in February and March. Learn more about River Falls Reads and check schedules for it at the library’s web site: www.riverfallspubliclibrary.org.

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