Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table Series

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$396
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
March 2015
End Date
May 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 three speakers who conducted PowerPoint presentations that lasted between 60 and 90 minutes. All 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: March 18, 2015 – Umpteen Civil War Firsts & Oddities by independent historian Denis Warta. Warta discussed unusual facts related to and innovations that occurred during the Civil War. April 21, 2015 – Serving Under Grant & Sherman by independent historians Jim and Joyce Hinderks. The Hinderks focused on Sherman’s March to the Sea and the life of Joyce Hinderks’ relative, who served under Sherman. May 19, 2015 – The First Minnesota by independent historian Wayne Jorgenson. Jorgenson discussed several soldiers who are featured in his book, “Every Man Did His Duty: Pictures and Stories of the Men of the First Minnesota.”
Project Details
75
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$396
Other Funds Leveraged
$385
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.
• are interested in checking out library materials on Civil War.
• would share a positive review of the program with others.

Measurable Outcome(s)

The compilation of the evaluations submitted at each program is attached. The vast majority of respondents indicated they learned something about the topics presented and are interested in learning more about the
Civil War. The majority stated they are interested in checking out library materials about the Civil War, and
all indicated they would share a positive review of the programs.

This librarian observed the audiences at each program quietly listening, asking questions, and approaching
the speakers after the programs.

The Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table events continue to be a successful part of the library’s adult programming. A group of dedicated Civil War enthusiasts attend the programs monthly; however, this
librarian has noticed an increase in the number of new faces attending, and in part that is attributable to the advertising money allotted from the Legacy grant. This series brings attendees from outside of our local area, including a visitor who e-mailed this note:

(We) enjoyed the presentation last night and plan to come down again on Monday (for another library
program). After the talk we shopped in three different locations and spent $180 at New Ulm businesses.
Coming from forty miles away, we normally wouldn't have done that.

Anecdotal responses to the programs included, “Very knowledgeable presenter!” “Excellent material and presentation.” and “Exceptionally good speaker.”

Source of Additional Funds

New Ulm Library, o Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table
o Local businesses and media outlets

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