James A. Garfield National Park, Mentor Library Pair for Civil War Series

and have paired for a series of lunchtime talks on the major battles of the Civil War.

Park staff and volunteers will present the monthly lunchtime programs at the library's main branch at noon on the second Wednesday of each month. The presentations will take place, appropriately enough, in the library’s James R. Garfield Room.

The series kicks off at noon Jan. 11 with "The Battle of Middle Creek."

The Battle of Middle Creek occurred on Jan. 10, 1862 in eastern Kentucky. It was the first battle in which Colonel James A. Garfield and his regiment, the 42nd Ohio, saw action.

Afterward, the next program will be at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 8. and the subject will be the February 1862 battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in Tennessee.

“The Civil War was the most cataclysmic event in American history,” said Todd Arrington, spokesman for the national historic site.

“We have a strong tie to the Civil War here considering James A. Garfield’s military and congressional service to the Union. Working with a great partner like the Mentor Public Library on this speaker series is a perfect way to give the public a number of opportunities to learn more about the Civil War and its lasting impact on our nation.”

The series coincides with the park's commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

All of the talks are free and open to the public. However, those interested should register beforehand. They can do so on the library's website.