Historian and author Bill Bartelt examines how the political turmoil surrounding the 1860 election and the subsequent secession of the Southern states captured the attention of New Harmony residents. Although many in the community took part in the Civil War, few had a greater national impact than Robert Dale Owen. Drawing from The War Is Upon Us: New Harmony and the Civil War, co-authored with Working Men’s Institute Executive Director Ryan Rokicki, Bartelt brings to life New Harmony’s Civil War era experiences and influence.

Bartelt and Rokicki will sign copies of the book following the lecture. Copies of the book are available for purchase at the Atheneum Museum Shop for $27.50.