For those in the Midwest

The Kenosha Civil War Museum is a gem for sure. It's Fiery Trial tells the story of the Old Northwest before, during and after the war, its reserach center has a growing collection of primary sources and its special programming is amazing. In a previous post I mentioned the McPherson/ Rocco day I enjoyed. Well on November 17th "At 1:00 PM, join Mr. Stephen Osman as he presents Minnesota's Other Civil War: The Dakota Conflict of 1862. The Dakota War of 1862 was the single most important event in Minnesota’s 154 year history. In six tragic weeks more were killed than all of Minnesota’s Civil War deaths in combat and the western half of the state was depopulated. Minnesota’s Dakota people were evicted from the state, leaving scars that remain to this day. Learn about the causes, visit the battlefields, and consider the legacy of the Dakota War in a colorful PowerPoint presentation by Stephen Osman. Stephen Osman is a graduate of St. Olaf College who recently retired as senior historian with the Minnesota Historical Society. He managed Historic Fort Snelling for over three decades, and actively researches, speaks and writes about Minnesota’s role in the Civil War and the Dakota War. At 2:30, Civil War author and historian Lance Herdegen will talk about his new book, The Iron Brigade in Civil War and Memory. Lance Herdegen's latest book puts flesh and faces on the men of the Iron Brigade who sat around the campfires, marched through mud and snow and dust, fought to put down the rebellion, and recorded much of what they did and witnessed for posterity. This magnificent new work, sure to be looked upon as Herdegen's magnum opus, is based on decades of archival research and includes scores of previously unpublished letters, photos, journals, and other primary accounts. This well researched and written tour de force, which includes reunion and memorial coverage until the final expiration of the last surviving member, will be the last word on the Iron Brigade for the foreseeable future. Books will be available for purchase and signing before and after the programs." Hope to see you there.