Historians, collectors and others interested in learning about the history of the American Civil War will have a unique opportunity to do so in Bossier City March 14th through 16th, when the Louisiana Sesquicentennial Civil War Task Force presents “Defending the Homeland: Union Forces Target Shreveport, Texas and Beyond,” a symposium commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War in Louisiana.

The symposium will be held at Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2015 Old Minden Road in Bossier City, and will feature a program filled with expert speakers, exhibitors and vendors, a guided tour of the Mansfield State Historic Site and more. Symposium registration cost is $100 for the general public and $35 for students, with current student ID, and includes admission to all programs, as well as several meals throughout the weekend. Advance registration is required. CLICK HERE for more information or to register.

“This symposium is a big deal. It is the state’s largest effort to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War,” says Dr. Gary Joiner, event organizer and Chairman of the Department of History and Social Sciences at LSU-Shreveport.

Joiner encourages history buffs to attend the symposium, where they can meet and interact with some of the world’s leading Civil War historians. “Our expert speakers were chosen because of what they know, but also because they’re friendly and approachable. Symposium attendees can pick their brains, visit with them and interact with them.”

The Symposium is presented by the Louisiana Sesquicentennial Civil War Task Force of Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, as well as a generous group of supporting sponsors that includes: Friends of the Mansfield Battlefield, the North Louisiana Civil War Round Table, the Red River Regional Studies Center at LSU-Shreveport and American Coin and Collectibles.

The symposium program will feature seven national experts on the Civil War, whose presentation topics will cover the Red River Campaign, the 19th Texas Infantry in Louisiana, the Battle of Pleasant Hill and others. It will also include attorney and actress Anna Maria Sparke Keele portraying Miss Sidney Harding, a southern Louisiana refugee in northern Louisiana during the Red River Campaign.

Presentations will be held, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, March 15th, as well as the morning of Sunday, March 16th. The program will conclude on Sunday with a group guided tour of the Mansfield State Historic Site.

 

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