Andersonville Prison & the Civil War
Thursday, April 12 – 7 PM
Over 45,000 Union soldiers were confined at Andersonville Prison, one of the largest military prisons established by the Confederacy during the Civil War. The prison operated for 14 months with poor sanitation, inadequate food, and overcrowding. In the summer of 1864 approximately 100 prisoners died every day from disease, malnutrition and exposure to the elements. Built to house 10,000 men, over 32,000 men were crowded in the 26 acre open stockade with 20 foot log walls. Hear how this compared to prisons in the North and what legal action was taken after the war ended. Admission fee applies.
Wheaton Civil War Fair
Friday, May 11—6:30 PM
During the Civil War both the North and the South were aided by the efforts of those left at home. Women made uniforms, knitted socks, sent food to the front lines, and raised money for their respected side. The Sanitary Commission, founded in 1861 sent women to nurse the wounded and improve the poor conditions and nutrition at the field hospitals and even in the camps. Lavish Fairs were hosted by local branches of the Sanitary Commission to raise funds through monetary donations and auctions. Chicago was the first to host a Sanitary Fair, called the Northwestern Soldiers’ Fair. It ran for 12 days and raised almost $79,000 for the war effort. The Wheaton Fair will replicate the Fairs during the Civil War by auctioning historic memorabilia along with other interesting items. The “hall” for the Fair will be filled with authentic Civil War memorabilia along with dinner. Music, “President and Mrs. Lincoln” and re-enactors will take part in the festivities. $50 per person.
Program and event fees benefit the Center for History and its education and preservation services.
Center for History • 630-871-6601 • info@wheatonhistory.com
315 W. Front St., 2nd Floor, Wheaton, IL
www.wheatonhistory.org
