Presentation of discoveries at Civil War Park set for January 28

(From the City of Joplin)

On Thursday, January 28, the public is invited to hear a special presentation from Chris Dukes about his archaeological discovery at the Jasper County Civil War Park. Following his presentation, “Unearthing the Past - The Discovery at Sherwood/Rader Farm Civil War Park, Inc.”, four area authors will participate in a Civil War roundtable discussion. This event of historical information begins at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Corley Auditorium at Missouri Southern State University.

During two days in May of 1863 the severe brutality of the Civil War became painfully real to the soldiers and residents of western Jasper County. These two days would be remembered forever in the annals of history leaving a lasting mark on the members of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment and the area around the town of Sherwood, Missouri. Much has been researched and written of these volatile 48 hours. The purpose of the evening is to dig deeper into the story as we uncover additional information and evidence from these events.

Dukes, a Missouri State University graduate student, is the keynote speaker and will discuss in detail the 57 Civil War related artifacts he uncovered at the Jasper County Civil War Park site. Following his presentation, four noted area authors will share their thoughts, knowledge, passion and expertise delving deeper into the significance of the two days in May as well as elaborate on Chris Dukes’ discovery. Steve Cottrell, Steve Weldon, Roland Diggs Sr., and Larry Wood will make up the roundtable panel.

Following their discussion the premier of a six-minute promotional film will showcase the future plans at the Sherwood/Rader Farm Civil War Park site.

Co-sponsors for the evening are the Southwest Archaeological Society and the Missouri Southern State University Social Science Department. Missouri Southern State University television station KGCS will record the night’s program.

For further information contact Brad Belk, president of the Sherwood/Rader Farm Civil War Park, Inc. Belk will serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening, and can be reached at 417-623-1180.