Niles event to remember Civil War battle

Staff report

NILES

The Civil War 150 Committee of the Sutliff Museum will have a commemoration of the Battle of Antietam on Sept. 22 at the McKinley Memorial Auditorium, 40 N. Main St.

The battle was fought Sept. 17, 1862 — 150 years ago — and was considered a turning point in the Civil War.

During the commemorative event, individuals will portray or talk about people who were influential in the battle.

Wendell Lauth, Trumbull County historian, will begin with an introduction and overview of the battle. John Caparanis will discuss Gen. Jacob Cox’s role at Antietam and his importance during the war.

Clara Barton, often called the “Angel of the Battlefield,” will be portrayed by Carol Star-Kiniecik. Brian Brennan, of the Youngstown State University Medical Museum, will discuss medical practices and the ambulance corps, which were crucial in transportation of wounded. Other experts also will share information on people of interest in the Civil War, including Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, Union Gen. George McClellan and President Abraham Lincoln.

Museum displays will exhibit the soldier’s equipment and then-Sgt. William McKinley’s role in the Battle of Antietam. The future president, who was born in Niles, was in the Quartermaster Department and helped provide necessary supplies to soldiers before the battle.

The displays will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Speaker programs begin at 1 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. For information, go to www.sutliffmuseum.org, or call 330-399-8807, ext. 121.