October 15, 2002 Library of Congress to Offer Public Programs in Conjunction with Civil War Symposium

The Library of Congress will offer a series of public programs in conjunction with its Civil War symposium titled "The Civil War and American Memory" Nov. 12-14. These programs, which will be free and open to the public, include a concert, film series and readings from selected resources in the Library's collections.

CONCERT

Nov. 13, 8:00 p.m., Coolidge Auditorium, Thomas Jefferson Building Tickets are not required The Federal City Brass Band will perform Civil War music, dressed in period uniform as a Union regimental band. Using original instruments and arrangements fashioned from both contemporary band scores and piano music, the band will perform 20 selections that include works from the Library's music collections. From "Goin' Home to Dixie" to "3rd U.S. Infantry Quick Step," the band's repertoire will represent musically the experience of both the Confederacy and the Union during this tumultuous period.

FILMS

Films will be held in the Pickford Theater, third floor, James Madison Building. All programs are free but seating is limited. Reservations may be made at (202) 707-5677, beginning one week in advance. Reserved seats must be claimed at least 10 minutes before showtime, after which standbys will be admitted.

Nov. 13, 7:00 p.m.

The following three "silent" Civil War films will be accompanied by pianist Ray Brubacher.

"The Informer" (AM&B, 1912), directed by D.W. Griffith and starring Mary Pickford and Lillian Gish (20 min.)

"The Chronicles of America: Dixie" (Yale, 1924), directed by Arthur Dewey and starring Florence Johnstone (30 min.)

"The Field of Honor" (Universal, 1917), directed by Alen Holuba and starring Frank MacQuarrie and Louise Lovely (72 min.)

Nov. 14, 7:15 p.m.

"Dixieland" (Warner Bros., 1935), from the Vitaphone series "See America First," (10 min.)

"Confederate Veterans Reunion" (Fox, 1930), unedited footage of a Confederate reunion (9 min.)

The Red Badge of Courage" (MGM, 1951), directed by John Huston, and starring Audie Murphy, Bill Mauldin and Andy Devine (69 min.)

READINGS

Nov. 14, 6:30 - 7:00 p.m., Montpelier Room, sixth floor, James Madison Building This program will feature readings from Civil War letters, diaries, newspaper editorials and other resources in the Library's collections.

In addition to these public program, the three-day Civil War symposium will feature panel discussions by historians, biographers and other Civil War scholars on various topics from this important period in American history. The symposium is free and open to the public but space is limited and reservations are recommended by calling (202) 707-1616. For more information, visit the Library's Web site at www.loc.gov.