The Wadena County Historical Society has an exciting series of programs for 2017 beginning on Feb. 25 with Living History Day at the Museum. On that day, visitors will be greeted by costumed interpreters in the themed rooms of the Wadena County Museum. This year's event also includes actors from Madhatters Community Theater.
The Spring Legacy program series begins on March 17 with author William D. Green. His book, "Degrees of Freedom: The Origins of Civil Rights in Minnesota, 1865-1912" spans the half-century after the Civil War and draws a rare picture of black experience in a northern state.
On April 7, Catherine Madison will talk about her book "The War Came Home with Him." This memoir is a heartfelt account of a family fractured by war and its awful aftereffects and contains the interwoven stories of a young father's three hellish years as a POW in Korea and a daughter's life with the cruel lessons he brought home. Both activities will be held at the Robertson Theatre.
On May 5, Timothy Berry and the Soul Drums Band will return to Wadena to present a musical journey that explores music and instruments based in West African and Caribbean traditions including Afro-Cuban Jazz, Salsa, Mambo and more. Last year's performance at the Memorial Auditorium thrilled hundreds of people, including young students who were literally dancing in the aisles.
On June 18, local singer/songwriter/storyteller Elisa Korenne will present excerpts from her latest show "Crazy About You," a sensitive song-and-story program about insanity in American history. The multi-talented artist will also have her first book published in June and it's likely she'll include some stories from that as well.
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In addition to our regular program series, last summer we offered a noontime series that featured book signings and interviews with Minnesota writers. The spring series of Minnesota Voices will begin with Bob Riepe on Thursday, March 16. His latest book, "Wrong Turns" is a novel based on the true events of the story of Harvey Stull, a Civil War veteran desperate to start a new life by coming to New York Mills.
For more information about these and upcoming programs call (218) 631-9079 or email 603wchs@arvig.net .
