Rock Island, IL: Rock Island Public Library will offer three free local history presentations at its Main Library location in November and December, providing guests a chance to learn about the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes, the experiences of African-American guards at the Rock Island Arsenal's Confederate prison camp, and the history of Black Hawk State Park.
The following programs are in the Community Room of the Main Library at 401 19th Street. Free parking is available in the library's 20th Street lot.
Tuesday, Nov. 18, Sauk and Meskwaki Tribes of the Quad Cities, 1:30 pm, Community Room of Main Library. Beth Carvey, of the Black Hawk State Park Museum, will present on the Sauk (Sac) and Meskwaki tribes, both indigenous to the Quad City area.
Wednesday, Nov. 19: Confederate Prisoners-African-American Guards, 6:00 pm, Community Room of the Rock Island Public Library Virgil Mayberry, local historian and artifact collector, presents on the 108th Colored infantry, a Kentucky regiment of black soldiers who served as guards at the Rock Island Arsenal's Confederate prison compound during the American Civil War. The camp opened in December 1863 and continued until July 1865. Given the situation, tensions and resentments were certainly inevitable. Find out how it all worked out with this free talk.
Wednesday, Dec. 10, History of Black Hawk State Park, 1:00 pm, Main Library. Beth Carvey, of the Black Hawk State Park will present on the history of the amusement park and the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Black Hawk park, as well as more recent information on the new exhibit at the park's museum and on the park's natural areas and trails.
All of these events all free and open to the public. For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-READ (7323.)
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Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.
