James A. Garfield National Historic Site

More than 180,000 Black Americans fought for the Union during the Civil War, and their actions were vital to the Union Victory. In commemoration of Black History Month, Todd Arrington, site manager of James A. Garfield National Historic Site, discusses the history, importance, and experiences of Black Union soldiers during the Civil War.

Our Civil War series continues next month at noon on Wednesday, March 9. The topic will be Jewish Americans and their Civil War experience. The talk is free to attend and open to all. Registration is required, and you can sign up on our website.

By the way, if you’re interested in Civil War history, several talks in our series can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

• Antietam: The Deadliest Day in US History
• Juneteenth: The Significance of June 19
• The Atlanta Campaign
• Gettysburg
• The Fourteenth Amendment
• The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
• Life & Legacy of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

The US Civil War occurred during a technological revolution. The armies relied on tried-and-true means for communication (flag movements, bugle calls, and the spoken word), as well as revolutionary new technology (hot-air balloons and telegraphs.)

Ranger Amanda Cox from the James A. Garfield National Historic Site explains how the armies gathered and shared intelligence while on the field.

Our Civil War series continues next month at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 8. Ranger David Lintern will discuss a Union General with Lake County ties. We will be meeting in person at our Main Branch! We look forward to seeing you here. Registration is required, and you can sign up on our website.

Finally, if you’re interested in Civil War history, several talks in our series can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

• Antietam: The Deadliest Day in US History
• Juneteenth: The Significance of June 19
• The Atlanta Campaign
• Gettysburg
• The Fourteenth Amendment
• The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
• Life & Legacy of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

For this month’s Civil War talk, Ranger Alan Gephardt from James A. Garfield National Historic Site traced the history of the US Navy from its wooden and ironclad ships during the Civil War to the origin of the “Steel Navy.”

Our Civil War series continues next month at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 11. The rangers will discuss field communications during the war. We will be meeting in person at our Main Branch! We look forward to seeing you here. Registration is required, and you can sign up on our website.

Finally, if you’re interested in Civil War history, several talks in our series can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

• Antietam: The Deadliest Day in US History
• Juneteenth: The Significance of June 19
• The Atlanta Campaign
• Gettysburg
• The Fourteenth Amendment
• The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
• Life & Legacy of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain