Museum marks Civil War with events spanning 2 days

Civil war buffs may want to visit Watkins Community Museum next week.

Schedule of events

Aug. 16

7 p.m. Author Debra Goodrich Bisel speaks about her new book, “Civil War in Kansas: 10 Years of Turmoil”

Aug. 18

8:30 a.m. Walking tour of Quantrill’s Raid

10 a.m. Fire and fallback: Quantrill’s leave-taking from Kansas

11:30 a.m. Walking tour of Quantrill’s Raid

2 p.m. Family program: meet the author of “A Voice for Kanzas”

4 p.m. Concert of Civil War era music

5 p.m. Roll-call of victims of Quantrill’s Raid

On Aug. 16 and 18, the museum, 1047 Mass., will commemorate local upheaval during the Civil War as part of the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau’s event Civil War on the Western Frontier.

“Since it was a defining moment for the area, I think it is really important for us to share this part of history with the public,” said Abby Pierron, programs coordinator for Watkins Community Museum.

At 7 p.m. Aug. 16, author Debra Goodrich Bisel will speak at the museum about her new book, “Civil War in Kansas: 10 Years of Turmoil.”

Saturday’s schedule is chock-full of events including walking tours of Quantrill’s Raid, Civil War era music, and a roll call of all victims of Quantrill’s raid.

“We are really excited to have this wide variety of programs,” Pierron said. “We are happy for people to come out for just one program or for the whole day.”

Pierron said last year’s events drew about 300 people and anyone wanting to take a walking tour should call 841-4109 to register because tours fill up fast. Advanced registration for the tour costs $5 for Douglas County Historical Society members and $10 for non-members. Non-members will pay $15 to register at the door.