NILES The American Civil War was fought about 160 years ago, but a Youngstown State University professor of history speaking Saturday at a McKinley Memorial event said the war can still evoke strong emotions.
Dr. Amy Laurel Fluker, a Missouri native who also taught about the Civil War in a classroom in Mississippi, said her studies focus less on the dates, the battles and the military commanders, but rather on the interpretations of those who built monuments and started Civil War veterans organizations.
“Things get left out in the study of history all the time,” Fluker said. “My study tries to seek out why this happens.”
Ami LeMaster
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a weekly series marking the 120th anniversary of Niles native William McKinley’s U.S. presidency.
Even though this column doesn’t follow the 120-year timeline, the Tribune Chronicle and writers of this column felt it was very important to recognize McKinley once more for his service in the Civil War.
The McKinley Memorial completed its “A Living History of the Civil War” program with an encampment and exhibits with re-enactors this past weekend at the museum. Gerald Payn of Wooster portrayed President Abraham Lincoln and Youngstown State University Professor Dr. Amy L. Fluker provided insight into the locals who participated in the Civil War. Musician Scott Ball also performed music from the Civil War and displayed sheet music from that era.
gvogrin@tribtoday.com
NILES The American Civil War was fought about 160 years ago, but a Youngstown State University professor of history speaking Saturday at a McKinley Memorial event said the war can still evoke strong emotions.
Dr. Amy Laurel Fluker, a Missouri native who also taught about the Civil War in a classroom in Mississippi, said her studies focus less on the dates, the battles and the military commanders, but rather on the interpretations of those who built monuments and started Civil War veterans organizations.
“Things get left out in the study of history all the time,” Fluker said. “My study tries to seek out why this happens.”