2012 Stoughton Reads Together Book Selection Brings Town Back to Civil War Era

The following is adapted from a Stoughton Reads Together release:

Stoughton residents will be turning back the clock to the Civil War era this March and April.

The Stoughton Public Library announced its “Stoughton Reads Together” book selection for 2012—“The Killer Angels,” a historical novel written by Michael Shaara that tells the story of the four days of the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War.

The book was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1975.

It details the events of June 30, 1863, as the troops of both the Union and the Confederacy move into battle around the town of , Pennsylvania, and July 1, July 2, and July 3, when the battle was fought. The story is told from the perspective of Generals Lee and Longstreet from the South and Chamberlain and Buford from the North.

Throughout the months March and April, the Libray will be hosting a number of Civil War-themed events (see schedule below, courtesy the ).

This program is provided through the partnership of the , and the Stoughton Public Library.

Glory, film of “a heart-stopping story of the first black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War, … who embodies the indomitable spirit of the 54th Regiment of Mass., led by Col. Robert Gould Shaw.”  Wales French Room

General of the Confederacy, James Longstreet, by Gary Hylander, Historic Civil War Lecturer.  Wales French Room

Mothers of Freedom Walking Tour - Slideshow. Tatiana Grant, National Parks Ranger from the Boston African American National Historic Site talks about the Beacon Hill mothers who marched to abolish slavery.  Wales French Room

Men of Color To Arms. A unique look at the 54th Regiment, the first northern  black regiment to fight in the Civil War.  Their bravery and heroism in battle paved the way for more than 180,000 African Americans to serve in the Union Army, helping to secure victory and the end of slavery in the United States.  This presentation will be jointly led by:  Sgt. Emmett Bell-Sykes, Pres., 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Co. A and Ryan McNabb, National Park Ranger, Boston African American National Historic Site, Wales French Room

Researching Your Union Civil War Ancestors, by David A. Lambert, Genealogist, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Wales French Room

Book Discussion Group meeting at the Stoughton Public Library, led by Cynthia Walsh. Civil War era snacks served. Wales French Room

1 p.m.

1:30-4 p.m.

3 - 4 p.m.

4 - 5 p.m.

Civil War Parade & Re-enactments from Town Hall to Faxon Veteran’s Memorial Park with Stoughton High School Band, members of the 54th Mass. Volunteer Infantry, Company A, and Stoughton’s 12th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, with a stop at the Stoughton Historical Society.

Camp Muster, Bayonet & Firing Drills, Field Gear and Cooking Demos

Dwight MacKerron will present an account of Pvt. Edward Waldo, a young Stoughton man who served from the Battle of Antietam to the Spotsylvania Court House through his diary and letters.  Wales French Room

Civil War Music by Dixon’s Gold Band, Faxon Park Gazebo (in Library if rain).

“Stoughton Reads Together” pins and books (borrow, or purchase at a reduced price of $10) are available at the Library. 

*Reservations are required for attendance at the programs marked with an asterisk, so that the Library can plan for food, transportation, etc. 

All programs will be held in the Wales French Room at the Stoughton Public Library, 84 Park St., unless listed elsewhere, and all programs are free except where cost is listed. 

Please call the Library at 781-344-2711 for more information. 

Stoughton Reads Together 2012 is sponsored by a State Aid to Public Libraries Grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.