Have you ever wondered about the part the Quad Cities played in the Civil War? If not, you really should be wondering. It is an absolutely fascinating subject! To help explore this subject more deeply the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center of the Davenport Public Library is pleased to announce the Quad-Cities Civil War Legacy Conference to be held Saturday, October 18, 2008 in the film room at the Davenport Public Library at 321 Main Street from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Speakers will include:
Kris Gayman Leinicke, Director of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, will speak on the Rock Island Prison Barracks that held Confederate Prisoners during the war.
Sheila Hanke and Laura Ramirez from the State Historical Society of Iowa will present “Honor the Colors: Iowa’s Civil War Battle Flags” with an emphasis on artifacts tied to local regiments and companies. Hanke and Ramirez are part of Iowa’s battle flag restoration project.
Robert Plumb of Pennsylvania will discuss “George P. McClelland as Citizen Soldier”. After suffering severe wounds in the Civil War, Mr. McClelland moved to Davenport where he became a civic leader and successful business man. Mr. Plumb has done extensive research on George McClelland and will share details of his fascinating life story.
Please join us as we learn more about the Quad Cities during this historic time. The registration fee is $10 which includes light refreshments during the day. Lunch will be on your own. Seating is limited so we are encouraging people to sign up early. Your seat is confirmed when payment is received.
For more information or to sign up for the event, please call 563-326-7902 or email SpecialCollections@davenportlibrary.com. Payment by credit or debit card is not available at this time. Checks may be made out to Davenport Public Library.
This conference is possible thanks to a “George P. McClelland Legacy Grant” from the Tawani Foundation, based in Chicago, Illinois, which provides funding to organizations that further awareness of the importance of America’s citizen soldiers and their role in the preservation of democracy. Collection development, ongoing research and programming for adults and youth are made possible by this grant.
This will not be the only exciting news related to this conference. Please keep watching our blog for another amazing announcement relating to the Civil War, the State of Iowa, and the Davenport Public Library!
(posted by Amy D.)
