BOOK SIGNING BY BRIAN STEEL WILLS & STAN BUCKLES

Two authors who are experts in their field will sign their published books at Final Stands Interpretive Center during the press conference and exhibit opening on February 8 at eleven a.m.

Brian Steel Wills, author of “The Confederacy’s Greatest Cavalryman” and “The River was Dyed with Blood,” along with numerous other titles, will be present to sign his books. Wills has been a friend of the battlefield for years and has extensive knowledge of Confederate warfare. Wills is director of the Center for the Study of the Civil War Era at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw Georgia and has also taught at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

Stan Buckles, an author from Mt. Pulaski, Illinois will be available to discuss his book, “Not Afraid to Go Anywhere, 1862-1865 A History of the 114^th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry.”

Buckles was “bit” by the “Civil War bug” when his parents took him to Gettysburg as a child. He has been researching and writing history ever since. He joined the 114^th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, Re-activated in 1979, and has several relatives who served in the original 114^th Illinois Infantry Regiment. He has a BA in history from Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois.

Both the reactivated 114^th regiment and the Civil War Center at Kennesaw State University have placed monuments on the battlefield.

“We are very excited to have Wills and Buckles join us for this important event, especially since both are valued friends of the battlefield and center,” Edwina Carpenter, director, said.

The state-of-the art exhibit entitled “They Served Here” will include a look-up database within a kiosk that will provide visitors and researchers in-depth information about Civil War soldiers who fought at the Battles of Brice’s Crossroads and Tupelo/Harrisburg. Also, first- hand accounts and diary excerpts will be included in panels along the walls.

The kiosk will also include photos of soldiers, letters written home, in-depth service records of individuals, interpretation of cavalry, infantry and artillery and more. Hard copies of these records will be kept on file at the center for reference.

The public is invited to attend the opening and enjoy the exhibits and film that complement the new exhibit, along with tours of the battlefields. Admission is free.

For more information, email the center staff at bcr.edwina@gmail.com or call 662-365-3969.