Region’s contributions to the Civil War explored with series beginning July 27 at Memorial Hall

Staff Report

Join Veterans Memorial Hall and enjoy lunch from ABC Catering in a three-part “Lunch and Lecture Series” as you explore the region’s contribution to the American Civil War. This lecture series will expand your knowledge of Rockford and Winnebago County’s involvement in the most monumental war on American soil.

American Civil War lecturer Terry Dyer will share his expertise of the Civil War in a three-part series.

Born in Rockford, Dyer is a lifelong resident of northern Illinois. His passion for the Civil War began when at an early age, his father took him on a tour of Veterans Memorial Hall and spoke of his great-great uncle, who served with the 12th Illinois Cavalry in the Civil War.

Dyer is the State Commander of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and a member of S.U.V.C.W. John A. Logan Camp No. 26, Rockford Historical Society, and the Rock River Civil War Round Table.

Cost is $10 per session, including lunch. For reservations, contact Veterans Memorial Hall at (815) 969-1999. Each session will follow the same agenda: 11 a.m., arrival; 11:15 a.m., lecture; noon, lunch; 12:30 p.m., building tour.

Wednesday, July 27 — In this first session, Dyer will examine Rockford’s growth through the 1850s the events of the day, the subject of slavery, of secession, the presidential campaign of 1860, and how the citizens of Winnebago County rallied after the fall of Fort Sumter.

Wednesday, Aug. 24 — In this second session, Dyer will speak of our community’s involvement in the Civil War. He will discuss the area’s citizen volunteers, the groups they belonged to and Camp Fuller, where they gathered to march off to war.

Wednesday, Sept. 21 — The last session in this series will find Dyer speaking of the veterans group formed after the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic and the national legacy they created, the modern-day Veterans Administration and locally, Veterans Memorial Hall.

Lunch will be provided by ABC Catering and will consist of your choice of ham, turkey or roast beef sandwich, chips, pasta salad, cookie and beverage. State your sandwich choice at time of reservation.

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