Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences

In a series akin to auditing a college course—without the tests!—Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales will host a six-week series of readings and discussions called "Battleground Louisiana: Civil War Events and Experiences." Offered as part of the Readings in Literature and Culture (RELIC) series sponsored by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Dr. Charles Elliott, instructor of history at SLU, will lead six sessions with open discussions supported by several texts: Brokenburn: The Journal of Kate Stone, 1861-1868; One Damn Blunder from Beginning to End: The Red River Campaign; When the Devil Came Down to Dixie: Ben Butler in New Orleans; The Civil War in Louisiana; and The Louisiana Native Guards: The Black Military Experience during the Civil War. The group will examine several significant campaigns and their outcomes as well as the experiences of some of the important segments in Louisiana society. The group meets Thursdays starting March 16 from 6 pm–8 pm. Must register in advance, either in person or by calling (225) 647-3955. Every reader receives a set of program books to check out, so they must have a current library card or apply for one. Registration is limited and begins February 20.