Mark Smith, distinguished Professor of History at the University of South Carolina, discusses how the five senses shaped the Civil War. Examining the role of the senses in six key moments of the conflict including Fort Sumter, Bull Run, and Gettysburg, Smith argues that each had a sensory signature.

This spring, the Chicago History Museum commemorates the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. Join us for a series of programs addressing a wide range of topics related to the war and its evolving legacy. These programs include reenactors of the First Illinois Battalion Civil War Camp on the Museum’s back plaza on Saturday, April 9 and Civil War music on Sunday, April 10. For more information, please check out the Chicago History Museum website.