Kristin Rowland - Tunes of Heaven & Hell: Music of the Civil War 1861-1865, & General Membership Meeting

Kristin Howland presents Tunes of Heaven and Hell: Music of the Civil War, 1861-1865

The music of the Civil War reflected the patriotism, sentimentality and agony of soldiers on both sides.  Music, from enthusiastic marches to love songs, provided emotional and practical support to the men in the field.  Music served as a great equalizer among the men and played an integral part in the daily existence of soldiers in camp, on the move and in prisons. The evolution of lyrics and music from 1861 to 1865 illustrates the changing needs and emotions of the men in the field, the politics of the nation, as well as the struggles of those on the home front.   The Civil War ultimately defined the kind of nation America aspired to be and the music of the time continues to speak to Americans and our beliefs about heroism, concepts of life and death, national unity and pride.

Kristin Howland graduated cum laude with her degree in Social Science with concentration in History, Political Science and Economics from the University of La Verne in 2013.  She has worked as the Department Manager at the University in the History and Political Science Department for the past 13 years.  Her current area of interest and research involves a series of letters written during the Civil War, a project she hopes to eventually take to publication.  Additionally, Kristin has an extensive background in non-profit management, having spent over 15 years as Public Relations Director for a local chamber of commerce.  She lives in La Verne with her husband of 30 years and is the proud mom of two grown children.

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