The Richland History Group, in conjunction with Northern Tier Regional Library, presents a free, open-to-the-public speaker program featuring Civil War authority Michael Kraus, curator of Pittsburgh’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum.
Kraus will speak about “The Role of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in the Civil War” from 10:15 to approximately 11:30 a.m. Nov. 23 at the library, 4015 Dickey Road, Richland.
On display will be Civil War relics from Soldiers and Sailors Hall, including historical artist James Horton’s large-sized prints of paintings depicting Pittsburgh’s Civil War events, such as Richland’s Casper Carlisle’s heroic Battle of Gettysburg combat exploits.
Free copies will be available of a Richland History research paper about Carlisle, the only Allegheny County Medal of Honor recipient at the Battle of Gettysburg. The research includes heretofore unknown information about his pre-military life in Gibsonia/Bakerstown and his unfortunate post-military life, including his last 10 years as a patient at the former Marshalsea Poor Farm, a psychiatric hospital in South Fayette.
Kraus will field all questions following his presentation. He is an award-winning artist of Civil War sculptures and may bring some to the program.
He also is a captain in the 116th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (Irish Brigade) reenactor and a Civil War consultant to feature films and documentaries, including those he has authored.
There will be free coffee and light morning snacks. Veterans will be recognized, and the U.S. flag will be honored.
Seating may be limited, so those interested in attending are advised to pre-register with Northern Tier Regional Library at 724-449-2665 or the Richland History Group at 724 443-1112.
