April 18, 2026

01:00 pm - 04:00 pm

Lincoln & Iowa's First Soldiers - April 18th

Browse the Muscatine & the Civil War exhibition and enhance your understanding of the life of Abraham Lincoln and the activation of units from Iowa to serve in the early war efforts. At 1:15 p.m., Lee Williams will portray Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing his character, humility, humor, determination, and compassion. Get a glimpse of Lincoln’s childhood, young manhood, career as a lawyer and statesman, and his presidency. At 2:30 p.m. author Dr. Randee Fieselmann’s presentation will open with a performance by Bob and Kristie Blake. A banjo player, Blake has recorded two songs made famous by the First Iowa Infantry. Then, Fieselmann will present on the First Iowa Infantry in a program based on her recently published book, The Union First: Community and Commitment in the First Iowa Infantry, which describes the very first young men from Iowa to enlist in the Civil War and their commitments to reunite the Union. Fieselmann has spent the last seven years researching the history of the First Iowa Infantry. Following the presentation, Fieselmann will sign copies of her book. More details about the book are available at www.theunionfirst.com. Books will be available for purchase at the Muscatine Art Center. No registration is required for either of these free programs. Parking is available in our Cedar Street lot or along Mulberry Avenue.