The Civil War

The Civil War era was a pivotal time in American history. Hostilities began in 1861, and the last shot was fired in June, 1865. By the end, the death toll was horrifying: 650,000 soldiers and untold numbers of civilians. Estimates calculate 10% of Union males between the ages of 20 to 45 and 40% of Southern White males ages 18 to 40 died. After four years of brutal battles, an uncomfortable Reconstruction, and 147 years of unification, the Civil War still colors the U.S. political debate. KCLS is offering a series of programs on the Civil War, and how the effects were felt even on the other side of the continent in Washington Territory.

The Civil War in Washington Territory
Presented by Dr. Lorraine McConaghy.
From Walla Walla to Bellingham, territorial settlers brought their political convictions with them, just as they brought their worldly goods, garden seeds and rifles. Though they left home, they
carried their beliefs and allegiances to the new territory. This presentation will consider Washington settlers' attitudes toward race and slavery, agitation for—and against—northwest secession, federal suppression of freedom of the press, as well as personal decisions to resign and "go South," from Washington Territory's governor to military officers stationed in the Northwest.

Historian Dr. Lorraine McConaghy has devoted her professional life to researching and teaching Pacific Northwest history. At the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), she curated many projects,
including the museum's core exhibits, and Blue vs. Gray: Civil War in the Pacific Northwest.

Saturday, February 25, 3pm Vashon Library
Thursday, March 22, 7pm Redmond Library
Wednesday, March 28, 7pm Sammamish Library

New Land, North of the Columbia
Presented by Dr. Lorraine McConaghy.
Drawing from archival maps, correspondence, public records, patent drawings, menus and paper dolls, this program offers an illustrated historic travelogue of Washington, from Territory to State,
based on McConaghy's new book, New Land, North of the Columbia. Her research involved more than a year of travel throughout Washington, visiting public and university libraries, historical society archives, and federal, state, county and municipal archives. The result is a highly visual, deeply engaging history of this place we call Washington, from 1853 to the present day.

Saturday, March 3, 3pm Vashon Library

Fiddle Tunes of the Civil War
Presented by Vivian and Phil Williams.
Hear Civil War tunes played, sung, and danced to, at home and around the campfire. Listen to stories about the music, accounts of from Civil War diaries, and descriptions of period dances. The program is based on historical research and the music is played on instruments from the era, including fiddle, guitar and banjo. Vivian and Paul Williams are well known in the U.S. and Canada for old time and bluegrass fiddling, mandolin, bass and banjo. They helped found the Seattle Folklore Society, Northwest Folklife and the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association.

Saturday, February 4, 2pm Fairwood Library
Wednesday, February 15, 6pm Maple Valley Library
Sunday, March 4, 3pm Burien Library
Sunday, March 18, 2pm Des Moines Library
Thursday, April 5, 7pm Renton Library
Wednesday, April 18, 7pm Newport Way Library
Sunday, April 22, 2pm Covington Library
Tuesday, April 24, 7pm Snoqualmie Library
Saturday, April 28, 2pm Kenmore Library

From Birth of a Nation to Ken Burns: The Civil War in Cinema
Presented by Lance Rhoades.
The American Civil War has always been a popular subject in cinema. The results reflect not only the nation's ongoing attempt to understand that traumatic time, but also reveal changing attitudes about American identity and character. This multimedia presentation provides a comprehensive view of the American Civil War as seen through more than a century of films.
Lance Rhoades teaches film history and theory, and is a frequent national and international speaker on cinema, literature and history.

Monday, March 26, 7pm Shoreline Library
Thursday, March 29, 7pm Redmond Library
Saturday, April 14, 2pm Kent Library
Sunday, April 29, 2pm Bothell Library

Civil War Quilts
Presented by Susan Olds, Art Historian.
As the nation was divided, women of the North and South made utilitarian quilts for soldiers. In addition, many created commemorative quilts recounting the lives of Civil War heroes and major events of the war. Drawing from actual diary entries and Civil War quilt blocks, Art Historian Susan Olds presents a visual account of the amazing quilts and the women who created them. A list of recommended books, web site links and DVDs will be provided.

Thursday, March 29, 7pm Renton Library
Saturday, April 21, 2pm Kingsgate Library
Saturday, April 28, 2pm Lake Forest Park Library
Sunday, April 29, 2pm Des Moines Library
Saturday, May 5, 2pm Fall City Library
Wednesday, May 9, 7pm Sammamish Library

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Burien Library: (Second Monday)
February 13th, March 12th. April 9th from 3-5pm 

Renton Highlands Library: (First Monday; Expert also speaks Spanish)
February 6th, March 5th, April 2nd from 4-6pm

Woodmont Library: (Second Monday)
February 13th, March 12th, April 9th from 3-5pm.