Soon after shots fired at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, the Civil War impact reached the Midwest. You will sense the experience of the Barry County soldier using the lens of the letters and diary of William Henry Wheeler, Woodland soldier of the 26th Michigan Volunteer Infantry who fought with the Army of the Potomac from 1862 to 1865. His experiences describe the problems and personal sacrifices of the local soldier, how army life and the war were seen and written about to his wife, Sarah. William, like most Michigan soldiers, was away from home for the first extended time in his life. Problems arose, some humorous, some somber and serious.

Wednesday * 4/1/20 * 10 am – 12 pm * $19 (member) $35 (non-member) * Brian Shumway* Rm: FC-133