Lawnfield, Library Talk About The Emancipation Proclamation

James A. Garfield National Historic Site and Mentor Public Library are continuing their lunchtime talks on the Civil War but are taking a break from the battlefield.

Their next talk will focus on The Emancipation Proclamation this upcoming Wednesday at noon at the library's main branch.

Dan Vermilya, a site volunteer and a seasonal National Park Service ranger at Antietam National Battlefield, will be the featured speaker.

After the Union victory at Antietam in September 1862, President Abraham Lincoln publicly announced his intention to issue an Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 unless the Confederacy ended hostilities and returned to the Union.

The Proclamation made abolition of slavery a specific, publicly stated Union war aim and allowed blacks to serve in the Union’s armed forces. Nearly 200,000 blacks eventually served in the Union Army and Navy.

"January 1, 2013 is the Emancipation Proclamation’s 150th anniversary, so this is an opportune time to discuss it in our ‘Major Battles of the Civil War’ program series," said Todd Arrington, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site’s Chief of Interpretation and Education.

"We’re very happy to continue this series in 2013 with our wonderful partners at the Mentor Public Library. During months in which no major battles occurred in 1863, we’ll offer talks on subjects still very relevant to Civil War studies—like the Emancipation Proclamation."

Guests may bring a lunch to enjoy during the talk.

After this Wednesday's talk, the next program will be on the life of Abraham Lincoln. That will take place at noon on February 13.

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 or by calling 440-255-8811.