Reminder: Readings Discussion Groups

In popular memory, the Civil War is often seen as having been fought solely between the North and the South over the issues of slavery or state’s rights. During the course of the war, however, both the Union and Confederacy faced numerous internal divisions. They were divided by fierce controversies over conscription, the curtailment of civil liberties, and the unequal economic burdens of war. One’s experience of the war often depended on where one and the members of one’s family were physically located. In no manner was the Civil War a civil war.

The Library wants to explore just how and why the United States was interrupted for four long years and why the Civil War was certainly not a civil war. The readings and discussion groups dig even deeper into first person accounts about the circumstances of the Civil War, their perceptions of the war, and ultimately their understandings about the war. 

1) Join Grace Cordial, the Library's local history librarian and archivist to discuss the Civil War experience as seen through the letters, reports, and testimony of Confederate residents, the enslaved, Northern teachers and missionaries, and members of the military in Beaufort District, 1861– 1865. Free. Contact information: gracec@bcgov.net; 255-6468 

“In Their Own Words: Beaufort District during the Civil War”
Wed., Sept. 25 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm | Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way
Thurs., Sept. 26 | 5:30 – 6:30 pm| Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, 1st Floor

The Beaufort Branch book club blog has the readings list and questions for "In Their Own Words" discussion sessions.  Alternatively, you can access PDF documents for the discussion groups at http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/sites/default/files/documents/Civil%20War%20in%20Beaufort%20District%20Discussion%20Groups.pdf (the readings) and http://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/sites/default/files/documents/Questions_In_Their_Own_Words.pdf (the questions).  

Please note: The lists look far more daunting than they actually are as many of the readings are less than 5 pages in length.  No registration is required although the leader has the expectation that participants will be familiar with the assigned materials. Each session is a discussion group, not a lecture or presentation by the discussion group leader. The same material will be covered in both sessions.

2) In October, Beaufort Branch is hosting the "Let's Talk About It" series for those who enjoy digging deeper into other aspects of the Civil War.  Registration is required for this five-part series; books will be provided. For more information or to register, contact the Beaufort Branch Library (843)255-6458.