Contact: Sharon Avery, (515) 281-6863 or Tami Foster, (515) 281-5020

DES MOINES, Iowa - Personal diaries, letters, photographs and hospital records of Civil War soldiers will be part of the focus of a genealogical research workshop at the State Historical Building on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

"Genealogy Workshop: Civil War Ancestry" will include an introduction to the resource materials available in the State Historical Society of Iowa's library and archives in Des Moines, a tour of the archives, and assistance in doing research.

Roster books, military reports, grave registrations, volunteer enlistments, correspondence, oaths of officers, and personal effects and final inventory statements are available for researchers. Materials are also available on both Iowa Civil War soldiers and soldiers who served from other states who were members of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization formed in 1866 to preserve wartime memories.

"The Civil War remains a popular subject for those interested in Iowa history," said Sharon Avery, reference specialist for the State Historical Society of Iowa. "This workshop will help familiarize everyone with the amount and types of materials we have in our collection on the Civil War and how to use them for research purposes."

The workshop coincides with the opening of the newest exhibit at the State Historical Building, "Honor the Colors: Iowa's Civil War Battle Flags," which tells the story of Iowans who served in the Civil War. The exhibit opening reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. following the genealogical workshop. An exhibit on the Grand Army of the Republic opened Nov. 11 at the State Historical Building and will also be open.

The workshop is free but is limited to the first 20 registrants. To register for the workshop, call (515) 281-5020.

The State Historical Building, located at 600 E. Locust in Des Moines, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (515) 281-8741.

###

Return to What's New Section