Description

Dressed in a full Union Army uniform, O.J. Fargo will present his first-person performance of an Iowa soldier’s Civil War experience. He will detail a soldier's experiences during the conflict.

It will be part of the Historical Society of Marshall County's "History on Second Tuesday" event 5 p.m., May 12 at the Marshalltown Public Library Meeting Room B. 

Fargo's presentation is "Just Before the Battle Mother: A Visit From a Civil War Soldier,"

He will also discuss the events leading up to America's deadliest conflict and Iowa's role.

The Creston resident will have Civil War artifacts on display. Additionally, he has a full electronic roster of all men who served in and from Iowa, searchable by name, city, county and/or birthplace.

Supported by years of research and study - Fargo will also answer questions about his "service" in the character of the soldier.

The audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the “soldier,” during and after the presentation who stays in character

The program is presented by Humanities Iowa.

Fargo is a retired director of Media Services and a Social Studies consultant. He is the author of two books on Iowa history. One on the everyday life of a Civil War soldier and Iowa in the Civil War, as well as 27 booklets on Iowa and Western US history. In addition to researching, writing, lecturing and public appearances, he is also president of an Iowa regiment of Civil War re-enactors.