“Just Before the Battle Mother- A Visit from a Civil War Soldier.”

The Betty Strong Encounter Center has received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit, to host a presentation called “Just Before the Battle Mother- A Visit from a Civil War Soldier.” by O.J. Fargo on March 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities. Admission is free; reception to follow. After an overview of Iowa's involvement in the Civil War, the audience is introduced to a returning Civil War soldier (played by Mr. Fargo). The audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the "soldier" who will stay in character. The speaker will bring along an artifact display and full computerized and searchable roster of all men who served in and from Iowa in the Civil war to enable the participants to check for ancestors who served. Mr. Fargo dresses in full Union Army regalia for the presentation and focuses the presentation on an individual soldier's experience. This program is made possible via Humanities Iowa. O. J. has done more than 100 history presentations throughout the state for Humanities Iowa including historical societies, libraries, schools, professional organizations and many other groups.