TUSCUMBIA-As the nation honors the 150th anniversary of fallen Civil War soldiers little is generally known of the White, Black and Red soldiers who fought on both Confederate and Union sides and the impact that the war had on their families and society.
In celebration of Helen Keller Festival Week, the Tennessee Valley Historical Society will host three guest lecturers to discuss “White, Black and Red in Civil War” on Thursday, June 27th; Friday, June 28th; and Saturday, June 29th at the Cold Water Book Store, located at 101 West 6th St. Tuscumbia, AL. The program is free to the public. The guest speaker line-up is as follows:
Vivian Sims
Thursday – 27 June 2013 – From – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
Speaker: Vivian L. Sims
Principal, Educator, Fulbright Exchange Teacher, Historian
Lecture: “I’m Proud To Be A Descendent of a Slave”
This program will share insights on the creativity, bravery, resilience and courage of slave ancestors and the African American men who fought and died as valiant soldiers in the United States Colored Troops and why there is a reason to take pride in being a descendent of a slave.
Robert Thrower
Friday – 28 June 2013 – Time: From – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.
Speaker: Robert Thrower
Poarch Creek Indians’ Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
Lecture: “A House … Twice Divided”
Beginning with the tribal divisions of the Creek War of 1813-14 and the eventual subjugation and destruction of the Creek Nation during the Indian Removal Period of the 1830’s, this presentation follows the Creek Indians into a period of further internal divisions which resulted from the Muscogee Creek Indians’ participation in the American Civil War.
Dr. David E. Gregg
Saturday, 29 June 2013 – Time: From – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
Speaker: Dr. David E. Gregg
Local Pastor and Historian
Lecture: “Flames Across the Shoals – the Spring of 1863”
In the Spring of 1863 the Federal army engraved their mark on the Shoals with fire. This strategy was used to break the heart of the south, and take away anything that could be used against the north in the war. This lecture will look at the destruction and the devastating effects the Federal Army left on the areas’ manufacturing and on the local citizenry.
