Shelby County Kentucky
Historical Society

About The Events

Many Americans know that the Civil War, fought between the Union and the Confederate forces from 1861 – 1865, was the deadliest war America was engaged in. Some even know that more Americans were killed in the Civil War than in all of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf Wars, and the still ongoing War on Terrorism combined. But, what most people don’t know is that the U.S. Civil War is also regarded by music historians as the most musical war, anywhere, at any time.
Dr. Michael L. Turney, retired professor of communication from Northern Kentucky University, will explain the reasoning for this during a presentation at the Shelby County Public Library’s Carnegie Library Center (731 College St., Shelbyville) on Tuesday, November 18th from 6:30 – 7:45 pm. This program is held in collaboration with the Shelby County Historical Society.
Professor Turney will discuss music written about the actual events and battles of the Civil War, as well as popular tunes about other topics that were played, sung, and danced to during the Civil War era. Included are many of the most well-known tunes written by Stephen Foster. In addition, Turney will explain how music played by military bands often gave directions to troops and helped them keep in step as they marched.
Turney will be joined by musicians who will perform some Civil War era tunes. Some may be songs you’ve heard before and already know; some may even be songs you’ve sung before. If so, join in and sing along!
This program is presented by Kentucky Humanities, an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. Kentucky Humanities is supported by the National Endowment and by private contributions, and partners with Kentucky’s cultural, heritage, arts, and tourism agencies. It’s goal is to tell Kentucky’s stories.