"Songs of the Civil War": Linda Russell at the HSRC

With a singing voice that has been described as “majestic,” Linda Russell leads audiences on historic journeys that are both entertaining and enlightening. Her musical performances of period songs are punctuated with anecdotes and facts from primary source material.

“Songs of the Civil War” features recruiting songs that urged young men to sign up to fight—both the anthems that inspired them and the musical complaints about the conditions they endured. Ms. Russell also performs contemporary ballads about yearning for home and loved ones left behind.

Linda Russell’s performances have been featured on A Prairie Home Companion, as well as at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Symphony Space, and the National Archives. As a balladeer for the National Park Service at Federal Hall National Memorial in New York City for sixteen years, she interpreted history through music and is a recognized expert in her field. Now, with many recordings to her credit, her performances are in demand at schools, historic sites, and community events throughout the country.

“Songs of the Civil War” at the Historical Society of Rockland County has been made possible by a grant from the New York Council for the Humanities. 

Admission to the program is free, but seating is limited. 
RESERVATIONS are required.

The “Songs of the Civil War” Family Program is presented in conjunction with LINCOLN AND NEW YORK, a panel exhibition from the New-York Historical Society that probes the myths and controversies surrounding Abraham Lincoln.  Original research explores New York’s influence on the Civil War, the impact of emancipation, and the promotion of Lincoln’s persona as he evolved from an obscure Illinois politician to a national martyr. Visitors who think they know everything about Lincoln will be startled to see so much that is new.

The panels will be complemented by items from the HSRC’s permanent collection, together with artifacts on loan from other local history organizations. These rarely seen objects highlight Rockland County’s connection to Lincoln and illustrate Rockland’s contribution to the Civil War.

LINCOLN AND NEW YORK has been made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The exhibition will be open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 12–4 pm, from April 6 to June 15. 

With a singing voice that has been described as “majestic,” Linda Russell leads audiences on historic journeys that are both entertaining and enlightening. Her musical performances of period songs are punctuated with anecdotes and facts from primary source material.

“Songs of the Civil War” features recruiting songs that urged young men to sign up to fight—both the anthems that inspired them and the musical complaints about the conditions they endured. Ms. Russell also performs contemporary ballads about yearning for home and loved ones left behind.

Linda Russell’s performances have been featured on A Prairie Home Companion, as well as at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Symphony Space, and the National Archives. As a balladeer for the National Park Service at Federal Hall National Memorial in New York City for sixteen years, she interpreted history through music and is a recognized expert in her field. Now, with many recordings to her credit, her performances are in demand at schools, historic sites, and community events throughout the country.

“Songs of the Civil War” at the Historical Society of Rockland County has been made possible by a grant from the New York Council for the Humanities. 

Admission to the program is free, but seating is limited. 
RESERVATIONS are required.

The “Songs of the Civil War” Family Program is presented in conjunction with LINCOLN AND NEW YORK, a panel exhibition from the New-York Historical Society that probes the myths and controversies surrounding Abraham Lincoln.  Original research explores New York’s influence on the Civil War, the impact of emancipation, and the promotion of Lincoln’s persona as he evolved from an obscure Illinois politician to a national martyr. Visitors who think they know everything about Lincoln will be startled to see so much that is new.

The panels will be complemented by items from the HSRC’s permanent collection, together with artifacts on loan from other local history organizations. These rarely seen objects highlight Rockland County’s connection to Lincoln and illustrate Rockland’s contribution to the Civil War.

LINCOLN AND NEW YORK has been made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The exhibition will be open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 12–4 pm, from April 6 to June 15. 

To learn more about this event, go to the website at http://www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=361.