Lecture explores how photography reshaped the story of the Civil War

The Cleo Redd Fisher Museum will host a free public lecture exploring how photography forever changed the way Americans viewed war. Titled Photography During the Civil War, the program will be presented by historian Mark Holbrook on Monday, Oct. 20 in the museum’s Lecture Hall. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m.

The American Civil War marked the first major conflict to be extensively documented through photography. For the first time, photographers left the confines of their studios and ventured into the field, hauling heavy equipment to capture scenes of camp life, soldiers, fortifications and the aftermath of battle. These haunting images brought the reality of war into American homes, forever changing public perception and pushing photographic technology forward.

Holbrook’s presentation will explore how photography shaped opinion, preserved the faces of ordinary soldiers and produced some of the most iconic images in American history.

Holbrook recently retired as executive director of the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Previously, he served as marketing director and Civil War historian at the Ohio History Connection, and he has worked for more than 20 years as a consultant for tourism and history-based organizations. A native of Ohio and graduate of Ohio State University, Holbrook is the owner of History is Personal, a consulting firm specializing in heritage destination development.

He also is the editor of "The Buckeye Vanguard," about the 49th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and author of "The Haven: A Light in the Darkness" (2023).

Holbrook is well known to Civil War audiences, having served as a reenactor and Union officer for 28 years at sites including Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Richmond and Shiloh. He also coordinated military scenes for the film "Light of Freedom" (2013), appeared in "Wings of the Wind" (2015), and has been featured on WOSU Television’s "Columbus Neighborhoods" and "Mysteries at the Museum" on the Travel Channel.

The Cleo Redd Fisher Museum, located in Loudonville, serves as a community resource for research, learning and historical discussion. The museum offers free admission and a variety of educational programs throughout the year, preserving and sharing the history of the Mohican area. Operated without any tax funding, the museum relies entirely on donations, memberships and community support to continue its mission. Admission to the lecture is free.

For more information visit www.crfmuseum.com or call 419-994-4050.