“Remember Me to All the Friends” – lunch and book talk

“Remember Me to All the Friends” – Civil War Letters from George W. Harwood, MA 36th. 
A lunch and book talk with author Janet M. Drake.

The lunch and talk will take place at the Needham History Center, 1147 Central Avenue.  The event is free, but seating is limited so reservations are required.  To reserve, email Gloria at greis@needhamhistory.org.

In 1862, George W. Harwood of North Brookfield enlisted for three years with the 36th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers. This book is the collection of letters he wrote home. His regiment traveled with the 9th Corps under General Ambrose E. Burnside through MD, VA, KY, MS, and TN. The 9th Corps was sometimes referred to as the “wandering corps” as they traveled across a large portion of the area where Civil War engagements took place, from east to west and then back east, participating in several major battles. Harwood participated in many of the major events of the Civil War, and his letters provide an excellent description of the war and the land from a soldier’s perspective.

Jan Drake grew up in Needham, and graduated from Needham High School. She went to Hobart & William Smith College in New York where she majored in Chemistry, and then went on to Simmons College in Boston for a master’s degree in Library Science. Jan has just retired from a long and productive career in libraries, most recently at the Wellesley Public Library.  Jan has always been interested in history, family stories, and artifacts. Her first paying job was with a Needham antiques dealer.  George Harwood was Jan’s great-grandfather’s cousin and his letters are in Jan’s keeping.

We thank our Program Sponsor, North Hill, for their support of our Program Calendar.