Just Before the Battle Mother - A Visit From A Civil War Soldier

Dressed in full Union Army regalia, O.J. Fargo focuses his first person presentation on an individual Iowa soldier’s Civil War experience. After a brief overview of the state’s involvement, the audience is introduced to a returning Civil War veteran (played by Fargo). He will detail the experiences of an Iowan during the conflict. During and after the presentation, the audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the “soldier,” who stays in character. The speaker will bring an artifact display and full electronic Civil War roster of all men who served in and from Iowa, searchable by name, city, county and/or birthplace. Program funded by Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State Historical Society of Iowa. 2026 Lecture Series presented in partnership by Ames History Museum and Ames Public Library.