David Burkett of Scranton will talk about Civil War reenactments and a 160-year-old organization founded in 1865, shortly after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The event takes place at the Rippey Methodist Church on Oct. 3.
Burkett is a commander in the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) and a member of the 4th Infantry Division of the Southwest, the oldest reenactor group in Iowa.
MOLLUS was founded to ensure the memories and associations of the war waged in defense of the unity and indivisibility of the Republic were not forgotten. Many presidents, vice-presidents, military officers and others have been members, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Film maker Ken Burns is also a member
During Jefferson’s 2024 and 2025 Bell Tower Festivals, the group, dressed in Union Army uniforms, mounted reenactments in Chatauqua Park, firing off cannons and displaying primitive medical equipment used to try to save wounded Union soldiers’ lives.
“Our reenactments are living history,” Burkett says. “They are an outdoor school on the Civil War.”
In addition to reenacting, Burkett’s group is trying to locate the graves of all Civil War veterans buried in Greene County.
The Oct. 3 event includes a noon lunch, which costs $12. The program, which beings at 12:45 pm, is free. To assure a seat at the lunch table, call 515-386-4408, or an Historical Society community contact by Tuesday, Sept. 30.
