J. Matthew Ward, PhD, assistant professor of history, will give a presentation on his book, Garden of Ruins: Occupied Louisiana in the Civil War, at the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum at 128 North 5th Street in Quincy, at 5:30 p.m. on November 21.

Garden of Ruins: Occupied Louisiana in the Civil War is a history of how the Union military occupied Louisiana during the Civil War, how the Confederate state government responded, and how common people living in the state related to both Union and Confederate powers during the war.

“Most of the time when people think about the Civil War, they think about famous generals and big battles, but many people experienced the war in a far more local sense,” said Ward. “My book is an overview of the everyday activities and policies of military officials and common civilians in hopes of understanding the war on a more local level. From this perspective we can understand that household issues and domestic life were of utmost concern to soldiers and civilians.”

Ward’s presentation will conclude with a question-and-answer session and a book signing. This presentation is the November event for History Happy Hour program hosted by the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a mini reception.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit de.10ybbs.com or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@10ybbs.com. Quincy University. Success by Design.