“The Diary of a Union Soldier from Kansas” presentation

Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center near Checotah 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. Tom Wing, assistant professor of history at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith and editor 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 master’s of liberal studies in American history from the University of Oklahoma and has authored two books. He is a museum professional with 22 years of experience in resource interpretation, program planning, exhibit design, and visitor services. Wing has appeared in interviews on Discovery Channel, History Channel, Smithsonian Channel, and PBS. He also 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 US 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).