Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table Series

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$326
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
January 2015
End Date
February 2015
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Counties Affected
Brown
Brown
Project Overview
The Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table Series, in its fourth season, hosted two speakers who conducted PowerPoint presentations that lasted between 60 and 75 minutes. Both programs concluded with a Q&A/discussion session. All round table sessions focus on the historical and cultural aspects of the Civil War and connect Minnesotans to the conflict. The schedule was as follows: January 20, 2015 – The Dakota War in Pictures by David Martinka, independent historian. This program was unusual because it focused on the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The presenter discussed the people and events that have been commemorated by markers and monuments. Because the Dakota War was fought at the same time as the Civil War, some of the key figures were active in both wars. February 17, 2015 – The Confederate Navy and the British Connection by Bill Harris, independent historian.
Project Details
46
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$326
Other Funds Leveraged
$360
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Written surveys were distributed to all attendees at each session. It was expected that a majority of respondents would indicate they:
• learned something about the topic presented.
• are interested in learning more about the Civil War and/or Dakota War.
• are interested in checking out library materials on Civil War and/or related topics.
• would share a positive review of the program with others.

Library staff would observe a majority of attendees actively engaged in each program by listening quietly
and asking questions. Anecdotal responses from attendees would confirm their enjoyment of each program.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The compilation of the evaluations submitted at each program is attached. Overall, both programs were
incredibly well received by survey respondents. All respondents indicated they learned something about the
topics presented and are interested in learning more about the Civil War and/or Dakota War. This is not
surprising because the Round Table has been in existence for four years, and people continue to attend month
after month. The majority of respondents indicated they are interested in checking out library materials on the topics presented. This librarian promoted the library’s Civil War collection by taking several books to the
meeting room for the Confederate Navy program. Finally, all respondents indicated they would share a positive review of the programs.

This librarian continues to be pleased with the response to the Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table
programs. Attendees appear to be engaged, and the discussions after the formal presentations are lively and informative.

Anecdotal responses from attendees included: “Very educational.” “Dave does a good job!” and “Good insight
into more depth of history.”

Source of Additional Funds

New Ulm Public Library, o Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table – program development, publicity
o Local businesses and media outlets – publicity

Project Manager
First Name
Dayle
Last Name
Zelenka
Organization Name
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
Street Address
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 622
City
Mankato
State
MN
Zip Code
56002-5488
Phone
507-625-6169
Email
dzelen@tds.lib.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200