Civil War series continues at Memorial Hall Sept. 19; reservations required

Online Staff Report

Rockford’s Veterans Memorial Hall continues its lunch and lecture series about the Civil War with a presentation by local historian Terry Dyer from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19.

During his presentation, Dyer will share his expertise of Winnebago County and the Forest City before the Civil War.

Topics explored in the lecture will include the following: As President Abraham Lincoln called for more troops, how did Rockford and Winnebago County respond? How greatly was their enthusiasm and patriotism displayed? And to what level did they cooperate in raising those troops? Why and for what was adjutant General Allen C.G. Fuller in the city inspecting land on orders from Illinois Gov. Richard Yates?

Agenda for the day will be arrival at 10:45 a.m.; lecture at 11 a.m.; lunch at noon; and an optional building tour at 12:30 p.m.

Cost is $10, including lunch provided by ABC Catering. Advanced reservations are required by calling Veterans Memorial Hall at (815) 969-1999.

This lecture series seeks to expand local knowledge of Rockford and Winnebago County’s involvement before and during the most monumental war on American soil.

Dyer was born in Rockford and is a lifelong resident of northern Illinois. He is passionate about the Civil War, and has extensively researched the war and the citizens of Rockford and Winnebago County’s involvement in it.

Dyer’s passion has made him a local favorite, and he has given many presentations about the subject. He is the past State Commander of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, a member of S.U.V.C.W. John A. Logan Camp No. 26, the Gettysburg Foundation and the Rock River Civil War Round Table.

Posted Sept. 14, 2012