Press Release
January 10, 2019
Contact: Adam Lynn
Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 918-473-5572
alynn@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/honeysprings
Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center to Host “The Diary of a Union Soldier from Kansas” Presentation
CHECOTAH, Okla. — Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is honored to announce a special presentation, “The Diary of a Union Soldier from Kansas,” to be held at the battlefield’s Visitor Center on Saturday, January 26, at 1 p.m. Professor Tom Wing, assistant professor of history at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith and author of the book entitled “‘A Rough Introduction to This Sunny Land’: The Civil War Diary of Private Henry A. Strong, Co. K, Twelfth Kansas Infantry,” will speak about the experiences of Private Henry Strong during the Civil War. The program is free to the public, but donations are appreciated.
According to the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, “Henry Strong's diary will be a valuable asset to all who study the Civil War. It provides a view of the war from the perspective of a common soldier who witnessed many of the key events in the western part of Arkansas. From seeing the suffering of the civilian population to participating in Frederick Steele's doomed Camden Expedition, this young Kansan kept a meticulous record of daily events.”
Tom Wing holds a masters of liberal studies in American history from the University of Oklahoma and is the author of two books: “Images of America: Van Buren” and “‘A Rough Introduction to This Sunny Land’: The Civil War Diary of Private Henry A. Strong, Co. K, Twelfth Kansas Infantry.” He is a museum professional with 22 years of experience in resource interpretation, program planning, exhibit design and visitor services. He has appeared in interviews on Discovery Channel, History Channel, Smithsonian Channel, and PBS. He has served on many nonprofit boards. Additionally, Wing was the grant writer and project director for the $5.3 million Drennen-Scott Project and the $1.2 million Willhaf House Project.
After the presentation, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Visitor Center’s new exhibits, buy newly stocked items from the gift shop, learn about the new exhibits opening in the near future, and tour the largest Civil War battlefield in Oklahoma.
For more information regarding the presentation and the Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, please email honeysprings@okhistory.org or alynn@okhistory.org, or call 918-473-5572. Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is located east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is located on a hill in close proximity to the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville. Take the second left after reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Museum (driving from the west).
Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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