Civil War historian to visit Geneva library

Join the Geneva Library Foundation and guest Robert Girardi on a journey back in time to examine the "The Midwest in the Civil War" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the library's lower-level meeting room, 127 James St.

On April 9, 1865, the Union and the Confederacy squared off in the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse. That afternoon, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered and, on April 12, 1865, a formal ceremony of surrender was held at the historic courthouse.

Although this was a symbolic end to the Civil War, several small battles occurred over the following months. Nevertheless, Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant's army sealed victory for the Union and marked the beginning of the long journey toward reconciling the country.

Today, 150 years later, the Civil War continues to play a pivotal role in America's history, as well as its present and future.

The presentation will emphasize the Midwest's involvement, including our own state, Illinois, home to President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant.

Girardi has had a lifelong fascination with the Civil War and has studied the war from all sides, including visits to numerous battlefields and historic sites. He has collected artifacts and memorabilia and has read thousands of documents, letters and diaries written by participants.

Today, he seeks to share his passion with the public, authoring several books and regularly presenting on the war. He has also created exhibits for numerous historical societies and collaborated with other historians and artists.

Two of his several books will be available for purchase before and after his presentation, "Gettysburg in Art and Artifacts" for $30 and "The Civil War Generals, Comrades, Peers, and Rivals, in Their Own Words" for $28. Girardi has agreed to donate one-third of all sales back to the library foundation.

To register for the free program, visit www.genevalibraryfoundation.org.

The Geneva Library Foundation was established in 2005 as a charitable organization to provide support for current and future library materials, services and facilities. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

With a goal of raising $1 million by 2016 and $2 million by 2021, the foundation is committed to providing a substantial, permanent and stable source of funds to support the Geneva Public Library.

For details, contact Peter Evans at (630) 220-3689 or pevans@genevalibraryfoundation.org.