In Their Own Words: A Soldier’s Story from Camp Douglas to Vicksburg

In Their Own Words: A Soldier’s Story from Camp Douglas to Vicksburg
Tuesday, November 4th at 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a special author event with local historian and genealogist Rachael Mellen, as she shares the compelling story behind her new book, “From Camp Douglas to Vicksburg: The Civil War Letters of William J. Kennedy, 1861–63.”

In this engaging presentation, you’ll journey with Mellen as she uncovers a personal family connection to William J. Kennedy, a Civil War soldier from LaSalle. Through a collection of Kennedy’s letters—preserved at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library—she reveals the deep human side of war: the duty, sacrifice, and impact on families left at home. You’ll gain a unique perspective on the Civil War through Kennedy’s firsthand accounts and discover how these letters brought history to life for both Mellen and her readers.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event. Rachael Mellen holds degrees from the University of London and California State University–Dominguez Hills. She is the author of three books on English genealogy, a frequent speaker and educator in the field, and currently serves as president of the LaSalle County Genealogy Guild.