Join the Friends of the Kothe Memorial Library on March 14, 2027, for the Speakers Bureau presentation “Just Before the Battle Mother: A Visit From a Civil War Soldier” by O.J. Fargo.

O.J. Fargo dresses in full Union Army regalia and focuses the first person presentation on an individual Iowa soldier’s Civil War experience. After a brief overview of the state’s involvement, the audience is introduced to a returning Civil War veteran (played by Fargo). He will detail the experiences of an Iowan during the conflict. During and after the presentation, the audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the “soldier,” who stays in character. The speaker will bring an artifact display and full electronic Civil War roster of all men who served in and from Iowa. It can be searched by name, city, county and/or birthplace.