Knox County Lyceum Series presents a presentation by Mike Petee which examines the role of songs during the Civil War. Within 48 hours of the opening salvoes at Fort Sumter, the first Civil War song was published on sheet music for the masses. Over 10,000 songs were written during that four year period and as we enter the 150th anniversary of the war it is worth re-examining the songs of that era. From the song “Dixie’s Land” written by Mount Vernon’s own Daniel Decatur Emmett used by the South for their national air to “Battle Hymn of the Republic” with words written by Julia Ward Howe and music by Southern minister William Steffe as a campfire spiritual called “Canaan’s Happy Shore” and the song “John Brown’s Body” that was not originally about the John Brown of Harper’s Ferry fame but rather a Vermont private in the U.S. Army. Learn the origins and join in singing the songs.

Remembering the Civil War- 150 Years Later

The lyceum series presents lectures, plays and presentations aimed at bringing quality, family friendly programing that provides history beyond that found in text books. The programs, which take place on the first Friday of every month, are presented in association with Mount Vernon Heritage Centre and First Friday’s.

Details: All events are free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated.

Sponsor: Elixir, Ohio Humanities Council, Mount Vernon Heritage Centre,

Location: The Place@ The Woodward, 111 S. Main Street, Mt. Vernon Ohio

For more information, please visit http://www.elixirpresents.com/index.html.