Akron Public Library to present Civil War workshop

Local researcher and Civil War re-enactor John P. Gurnish and Certified Genealogist, lecturer and writer Amy Johnson Crow will present “Discovering Your Civil War Ancestors” on Saturday, August 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 60 S. High Street.

This day long program, co-sponsored by the Library and the Summit County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, will aid Civil War enthusiasts, local historians and genealogists in their research.

A retired Akron Public Schools social studies teacher, Mr. Gurnish, has pursued his interest in the Civil War for more than 40 years. He has collected Civil War artifacts since 1966, and his displays at the Ohio Civil War Show have won many awards. Currently a member of the Co. G, 29 th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he has been a Civil War re-enactor since 1976, has participated in many national re-enactments, and has worked as an extra in two films. He is also a member of both the Cuyahoga Valley and the Stark County Civil War Roundtables, the author of several articles, and a frequent presenter at area historical organizations. In addition to his presentation, he will have a display of his local Civil War artifacts.

Amy Johnson Crow , MLIS, CG, is a researcher, editor, webmaster, and database developer. She serves as a website and database consultant for several libraries and societies and recently joined Archives.com as a Genealogical Content Manager. Amy earned her Master of Library and Information Science degree at Kent State University, where she concentrated on digital libraries and digital preservation.

The program schedule:

9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Introductions

9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Summit County in the Civil War, John P. Gurnish

10:45 – 11 a.m. Program Break

11 – 12 p.m. Researching Ohio Civil War Ancestors, Amy Johnson Crow

1 – 2 p.m. For Benefit of the Soldier: Civil War Fraternal Organizations, Amy Johnson Crow

2 – 2:15 p.m. Program Break

2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Researching Your Civil War Ancestors Online, Amy Johnson Crow

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Program Break

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. State and Local Records for Civil War Research, Amy Johnson Crow

The program is free and open to the public, and free parking is available in the High-Market Parking deck. To sign-up, contact the Special Collections Division at 330-643-9030. For more information, head to http://sc.akronlibrary.org.