Civilian Information: This event centers around the 45th Infantry of Illinois which predominately was made up of men from the area we know as Galena, Ill. They were gathered together to form a company in April, 1861 and traveled to Chicago for mustering into the Union Army in November, 1861. This event will reenact the events leading up to the formation and eventual involvement with the Union Army of the United States.

This event is designed to be very interactive with the public and you are asked to maintain first person persona for the weekend. Our goal is to raise money to be given to continued restoration and maintenance of the Grant Home Property in Galena. The state of Illinois has discontinued nearly all funding to historic sites other than those related to President Lincoln.

Galena was a thriving town in the 1850's due to lead mining and freight handling, using the waterways that have since reduced in size and that have changed course over the years. Galena, at one time, was only four miles from the Mississippi River. Galena was a rural mining and farming community which allowed for a variety of income levels. Therefore, it is desired to have civilian women dressed in a variety of clothing presentations to reflect the variety of financial resources, or lack thereof, in the area. We will be supporting the public speaking that will go on in the AM on Saturday, provide for a picnic style lunch mid day on Saturday, participate in a social gathering using your talents in various domestic handworks in the afternoon, and on Sunday midday, a small group of women is needed to present, to the company, a flag that the Galena women created to send off with the men to Chicago. I would also think it to be appropriate for the women to hold, as we engage in our handwork, a lyceum. Lyceum were popular as gatherings for adult education and addressed many current topics, particularly social, moral and intellectual ones. Some suggestions for topics could be women entrepreneurs vs. traditional roles, Christianity vs. Transendentalism, or going to war vs. not going to war. There will be new postings concerning the lyceum later.

Men should be prepared to be dressed in civilian attire in the AM of Saturday and in military attire in the PM and for the remainder of the weekend. We expect considerable public attendance and would like all participants to understand the history of Galena in general, Grant's business activities in Galena and specifics related to the time period. The home, we are trying to help support, was not given to Grant until 1865, so at the time of this event, Grant did not live or own the property. Grant was not a famous national figure at the time of this event either. There are sites you can access for this information on the internet if you feel you need to bone up on Galena history.

Women should be prepared to assist in the picnic, support the public speaking and engage in some kind of handwork such as knitting, crotcheting, sewing, embroidery or lace making and participating in the lyceum. Women need to be in correct period social attire which includes hoops, bonnets, and gloves. Most of the activity will be located in the park across from the Grant Home near the log cabin. We have full use of the log cabin and those who do not want to stay in a B & B or at one of the motels, can stay in the cabin at night. During the day, there will be no modern items in the cabin. The military part of the activities will have some tents. However, there will be no tentage for civilians. We strongly encourage those who plan to stay in other facilities to make reservations as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may not find any vacancies. There is no heat source in the cabin, so plan accordingly.

Breakfast both days will be provided if you wish to partake. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. Plans are in the works to have a group meal in the evening. However, you are free to go downtown for your evening meal. There will be a sign up to allow us to plan for all meals. Please indicated your food plans so we can plan accordingly. Any questions, can be addressed through Terry or Nancy Sorchy. We are asking for a donation of $10 for food expenses and the remainder will be donated to the total amount raised for the Grant Home.