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Setting the Record Straight

What Caused the Civil War

Immerse yourself in the time period of our Founder of the Year as we investigate the causes of the Civil War, presented by an Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum historian.

Since the Civil War began, there has been confusion and misinformation about its political and social causes- yet these conversations often leave out what people actually said and did at the time. Join Christian McWhirter, Lincoln Historian for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, for an examination of primary sources from the Civil War and what they tell us about the causes of America’s greatest conflict.

 Dr. Christian McWhirter is the Lincoln Historian at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum and author of Battle Hymns: The Power and Popularity of Music in the Civil War. He previously served as Editor of the Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association and as an Assistant Editor for The Papers of Abraham Lincoln project. His writings on Lincoln, popular music, and the Civil War have appeared in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Chicago Sun-Times, and Washington Post. His most recent publication is a Civil War Monitor article on what Lincoln’s taste in music tells us about his worldview.

This program celebrates Founders Day. Learn more about other programs around the community at dghistory.org!

Contact the Adult and Teen Services Desk at ATS@dglibrary.org or call (630) 960-1200 with questions.

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