Ken Burns The Civil War Screening: 1862

The Civil War is an epic nine-episode series by the award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. Heralded as an unforgettable introduction to a four-year conflict fought in 10,000 places, the film vividly embraces the entire sweep of the war: the complex causes and lasting effects of America’s greatest and most moving calamity, the battles and the homefronts, the generals and the private soldiers, the anguish of death in battle and the grief of families at home.

The Falmouth Public Library will be screening this entire Civil War series over the course of a week. Join us on Tuesday, April 15, at 1 PM in the Hermann room as we screen episodes two and three, 1862 ‘A Very Bloody Affair’ and ‘Forever Free.’

Episode 2: A Very Bloody Affair: “1862 saw the birth of modern warfare and the transformation of Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union into a war to emancipate the slaves. Episode Two begins with the political infighting that threatened to swamp Lincoln’s administration and then follows Union General George McClellan’s ill-fated campaign on the Virginia Peninsula, where his huge army meets a smaller but infinitely more resourceful Confederate force. During this episode we witness the battle of ironclad ships, partake of camp life, and watch slavery begin to crumble. We meet Ulysses S. Grant, whose exploits come to a bloody climax at the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee. The episode ends with rumors of Europe’s readiness to recognize the Confederacy.”

Episode 3: Forever Free: “This episode charts the dramatic events that led to Lincoln’s decision to set the slaves free. Convinced by July 1862 that emancipation was now morally and militarily crucial to the future of the Union, Lincoln must wait for a victory to issue his proclamation. But as the year wears on there are no Union victories to be had, thanks to the brilliance of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. The episode comes to a climax in September 1862 with Lee’s invasion of Maryland. On the banks of Antietam Creek, the bloodiest day of the war takes place, followed shortly by the brightest: the emancipation of the slaves.”

This documentary screening is free to the public and is supported by the Friends of the Falmouth Public Library. Register to attend using the library’s online event calendar or visit/call the adult service desk at 508-457-2555 x7.