Louisiana: MSU hosting series on American Civil War

From Sulphur Daily News.com: MSU hosting series on American Civil War
Lake Charles, La. — McNeese State University’s Frazar Memorial Library is hosting a free five-part reading and discussion series in March titled “Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War.”

Frazar Memorial Library is one of 65 libraries nationwide to receive a grant for the series developed by the American Library Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities, according to Debbie Johnson-Houston, library director. Local support for the series is provided by McNeese’s Banners Cultural Series, the history department, leisure learning office and the Calcasieu Parish Public Library.

All presentations will be held at 7 p.m. in the La Jeunesse Room in the Holbrook Student Union every other Wednesday from March 28 until May 9. The topics, date and book for each program are:

• “Choosing Sides,” March 28, “America’s War: Talking About the Civil War and Emancipation on Their 150th Anniversaries,” edited by Edward L. Ayers

• “Making Sense of Shiloh,” April 11, “America’s War”

• “The Shape of War,” April 25, “Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam” by James McPherson

• “War and Freedom,” May 9, “America’s War”

Free copies of all three books are available for those who register for the series while supplies last.

Dr. Michael Smith, assistant professor of history at McNeese, will lead a discussion of the books at each session. He has written five books, seven articles and numerous other publications on politics, military tactics and society during the Civil War era.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to host this unique series that will allow patrons a chance to discuss the legacy of the Civil War with fellow community members and with the help of a well-qualified scholar,” said Johnson-Houston.

For more information or to register, contact Walt Fontane, McNeese reference librarian, at 337-475-5729 or by email at wfontane@mcneese.edu or go online at libguides.mcneese.edu/content.php?pid=123731&sid=2354583.

Persons needing accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator at 337-475-5428, voice; 337-475-5960, fax; 337-562-4227, TDD/TTY, hearing impaired; or by email at cdo@mcneese.edu