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Niagara History Center press release
On Wednesday, May 20, the Niagara History Center will present and evening of Civil War music and remembrances from 7-8 pm in the museum building at 215 Niagara St., Lockport.
Music played an important role in the life of a Civil War soldier. Select songs will be performed by Father John Kwiecien, a 20-year veteran of Reynolds Battery L, 1st NY Light Artillery Civil War reenactment group. He has always had an interest in music – starting with accordion lessons at the age of 7 – and learned to play guitar, banjo and mountain dulcimer. Kwiecien sings to accompany his playing and has been involved in glee clubs, choirs and folk groups since sixth grade. His passion for music suited him well in his vocation as a Catholic priest. Kwiencien is now retired but still serves as chaplain for the Artillery Reserve at National Civil War events.
The program will also include a brief history of Decoration Day (now Memorial Day), which started shortly after the Civil War. Reynolds Battery reenactor Karen Sherwood will discuss some of the events that took place in Lockport on Decoration Day in the years following the Civil War. Sherwood is a local educator and performer who also assists her brother with the family farm in the Town of Lockport.
The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are not necessary. For more information, call the Niagara History Center at 716-434-7433 or email info@niagarahistory.org.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
