Civil War Events to be Held at the Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library Commemorates the 150^th Anniversary of the American Civil War

May through December 2011 features exhibitions, lectures, and programs

This month marks the start of the Boston Public Library’s 8-month, citywide commemoration of the 150^th anniversary of the American Civil War. Through four unique exhibitions along with lectures, guided tours, films series, musical events, period reenactors, and online displays, the BPL will bring to life one of the defining events in American history.

The Boston Public Library has superior Civil War-era collections that serve as the foundation for the commemoration that extends to all library departments and branches across the city. “This vivid commemoration combines the best of modern scholarship with the richness of the Boston Public Library’s historic collections,” said Amy E. Ryan, President of the Boston Public Library. “Our goal is to bring the Civil War to life for all our users, whether they visit an exhibition, borrow a title from a book list, attend a lecture, or enjoy a concert of Civil War-era music.”

Nationally renowned speakers who will visit the Boston Public Library to focus on different aspects of the conflict include James McPherson, Drew Gilpin Faust, and Tony Horwitz.

To learn more about the extensive series of exhibitions, lectures, films, tours, and live performances exploring the many dimensions of the war, visit the library’s dedicated web page: www.bpl.org/civilwar .

Not in the Boston area? Visit your local library--or their website--to discover their schedule of special events and programs for patrons of all ages!