The Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center at the New England Historic Genealogical Society is holding a live broadcast Tuesday, January 31 from 1-2 PM ET presented by Adam D, Mendelsohn in conversation with Jonathan D. Sarna.

The Union army was as diverse as the embattled nation it sought to preserve—a mix of ethnicities, religions, and identities. Almost one Union soldier in four was born abroad, and natives and newcomers fought side-by-side, sometimes uneasily. Though scholars have parsed the trials and triumphs of Irish, Germans, African Americans, and others in the Union ranks, they have remained largely silent on the everyday experiences of the largest non-Christian minority to have served. Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War examines when and why Jews decided to enlist, explores their encounters with fellow soldiers, and describes their efforts to create community within the ranks.

This is a discussion of Mendelsohn’s new book about the stories and struggles of the Union Army’s Jewish soldiers. His book, Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War: The Union Army marks the first of two volumes to be published in partnership with the Shapell Manuscript Foundation, which has compiled a roster of Jewish service in the Civil War. Volume Two will explore the complex history of Jews in the Confederate Army. 

While the program is free registration is required:

https://hubs.americanancestors.org/jewish_soldiers_in_civil_war

Note:  I have posted previously about the Shapell Roster of Jewish Service in the American Civil War in November 12, 2022 which may be accessed in the JewishGen archives.

Jan Meisels Allen

Chairperson, IAJGS Public Records Access Monitoring Committee