The battle of Gettysburg and the siege of Vicksburg were remembered this past week as part of commemorative events recalling what happened 150 years ago in July 1863.
While such anniversary events bring forth a lot of speeches, re-enactors and other activities, we also should think of the impact of the Civil War on our ancestors’ lives — both the men who went off to war and the women, children and parents at home.
To learn what is planned in Georgia in September to commemorate the battle of Chickamauga, go to www.gacivilwar.org. The site includes an interactive map showing where things happened as well as when events and exhibits are planned. There is also a timeline, historic illustrations, and stories of the war written by people from that era.
The site is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which also has published “Georgia’s Guide to the Civil War,” listing various exhibits, battlefield locations, cemeteries and other places of interest. For a copy, send your mailing address to Barry Brown at Bbrown@georgia.org.
The Appalachian Regional Commission created a map and brochure, “Civil War: the Home Front,” now online, giving another perspective of the war and its impact. Go to www.visitappalachia.com and check each state, including Georgia.
For national events, see www.civilwar.org, or search each battle.
Decatur Arts Festival
“The Decatur Arts Festival at 25” is the topic of a Lunch and Learn seminar at noon July 16 at the DeKalb History Center, Old Courthouse on the Square, in Decatur. Speakers include Lyn Menne, Linda Harris and others in a round table discussion of the festival’s beginning and its impact on Decatur. The event is free; bring your own lunch. For further information, check www.dekalbhistory.org or call 404-373-1088, Ext. 23.
Seminar set for Augusta
The Augusta Genealogical Society’s annual Homecoming seminar is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library, 823 Telfair St.
The speaker will be Barbara Vines Little of Virginia, a nationally known lecturer. She will cover details of Virginia research, chancery records, methodology for reverse tracking the migration of ancestors, and finding women lost in the shadows.
Registration deadline is Aug. 1. Check www.augustagensociety.org for the registration form or call 706-722-4073. Cost for nonmembers is $45.
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