VIDEO: Historical Society Begins Four Year Civil War Series

“Four score and seven years ago our father brought forth on this continent, a new nation.”

The Barrington Area historical society is doing its part to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the civil war. Last night was just the start of four years of educational programming offered by the historical society to teach our community about the civil war.

“The Barrington historical society and the community of Barrington, we’re committed to commemorating the civil war, the role if Illinois, the role of Lincoln, Grant and this great state who played such an important role in the war between the states,” Barrington Area Historical Society President Michael Harkins said.

The May 24 presentation recognized several individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the history of the Civil War. The crowd first heard from Jim Zingales, of Sons of the Union Veterans.

“The Grand Army started to realize that they are dying off. We’re losing our veterans. So who’s going to carry on the tradition, who’s going to take over when we’re gone? That’s when the formed the sons of the union veterans in 1881. And our motto is the same. Fraternity, charity and loyalty. We carry on the tradition and we remember the boys in blue who fought. “

Kathleen Rickert Nelson was recognized for preserving the history of President Lincoln’s Washington DC summer home. Rickert Nelson heard the home was in disrepair and needed funding to preserve the structure. In an effort to help, she created three original drawings of the cottage and donated them to the National Trust.

“At first I was only going to do one. But when I got there I told my husband I have to do all three, this is just fabulous,” she said.

Zingales of the Sons of the Union Veterans wowed the crowd with an authentic reading of the most well known speech in American history: the Gettysburg address.

The reminder of the presentation included honoring those who have contributed to the keeping the American Civil War history alive.

To learn more about the ongoing Civil War series at the Barrington Area Historical Society, visit their website.