Illinois Veterans of the Civil War - An Immigrant Story (In-Person)

Diana Dretske will present on her recently published book, The Bonds of War: A Story of Immigrants and Esprit de Corps in Company C, 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Southern Illinois University Press). The book has been awarded a “Best in Illinois” Certificate of Excellence by the Illinois State Historical Society, and is a finalist for the 2021 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards.

The book is a collective biography inspired by a portrait in the collections of the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of five immigrants from Britain and Ireland, who served in the American Civil War. The presentation will include her research to identify the men in the portrait and the significance of their voluntary military service and desire to be recognized as American citizens.

Diana Dretske is the Curator and Lake County historian for the Bess Bower Dunn Museum. She has been researching the history of northeastern Illinois for over 30 years, published three books on the history of Lake County, and is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Illinois State Historical Society for her outstanding contributions in promoting, preserving and commemorating Illinois history.

This program is brought to you in partnership with the Wauconda Township Historical Society.  Following the program, the Historical Society invites you for a docent guided house tour of the historic Andrew Cook House next to the library.  Donations appreciated.  The Historical Society will also have a selling table at the program.