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Armchair Generals

President Lincoln, British Spies & Russian Lies

2025-05-13 12:30:00 2025-05-13 13:45:00 America/Chicago Armchair Generals Monthly Civil War-focused discussion group. Meets 2nd week of the month. No registration. Main Library - Meadows Community Room A

Tuesday, May 13
12:30pm - 1:45pm

Add to Calendar 2025-05-13 12:30:00 2025-05-13 13:45:00 America/Chicago Armchair Generals Monthly Civil War-focused discussion group. Meets 2nd week of the month. No registration. Main Library - Meadows Community Room A

Main Library

Meadows Community Room A

Monthly Civil War-focused discussion group. Meets 2nd week of the month. No registration.

Learn the real story of Lincoln’s foreign affairs during the American Civil War. Delve deeply into which foreign countries wanted America divided. What really caused the American split in 1861? Perhaps the insurrection was fostered by a foreign third party? Could there have been outside interference? Could a foreign entity be paying off American politicians to do their bidding? In fact, we shall explore this very set of questions. Was there a foreign component to the American Civil War? If there was did President Lincoln know about this? If there was, what did the average American in the Union think about this possibility?

This presentation will explore British spies and Russian lies. Explore how Lincoln was never supposed to win. See how the American Civil War fit into the geo-politics of the times and learn how several countries wanted Lincoln out of Washington.

Steven Alban is a graduate of Northern Illinois University. With degrees in Political Science and History, he brings a unique perspective of the time period. Focusing on the American story, Steven has both written and spoken about the political chain of events surrounding the American Civil War. A contributor to several publications, he is still writing the elusive never finished historical novel.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Older Adult Interest | History | Films | Book Clubs & Discussion Groups | Adult Programs |

TAGS: | |

Main Library

Phone: 847-742-2411

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Today's hours

We're open 12:00PM to 5:00PM

Mon, May 26 9:00AM to 9:00PM
Tue, May 27 9:00AM to 9:00PM
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Upcoming Events

Sun, Jun 01, All day
Main Library - Lobby - Clerestory
Stop by and stock up on your summer reading selections. All proceeds benefit the Gail Borden Library Foundation.

Sun, Jun 01, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Main Library - Sally Lee Fox & Eagle Rooms
Explore math in a fun, hands-on way! In this registered series for 3rd–6th graders, kids will solve puzzles, create art, and discover patterns—building confidence and a love for math along the way!
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Mon, Jun 02, 9:30am - 10:30am
Rakow Branch - Rakow - Shales Living Room
Gross and fine motor play for littles as they have fun making new friends. Ages 1-2 years old with adult caregiver.

Mon, Jun 02, 10:00am - 10:30am
Main Library - Meadows Community Rooms ABC
Join us for an interactive storytime! Best for kids birth-6 with an adult caregiver. All ages are welcome. Drop-in! No registration required.

Mon, Jun 02, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
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Mon, Jun 02, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
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Mon, Jun 02, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
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Bookmobile stop: Hunter’s Ridge Apts. – southeast parking lot – 1068 Todd Farm Rd. - Elgin 60123 – 4:00-4:45

Mon, Jun 02, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Mobile Services
Bookmobile stop: Mark Ave./Greater Grace Church – 991 Deborah Ave. – Elgin 60123 – 5:00-5:45

Mon, Jun 02, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - 2nd Floor - Behind Elevators
Join fellow chess players of all ages and skill levels on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month for this open play program! Chess sets will be provided.

Mon, Jun 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Rakow Branch - Rakow - Shales Living Room
Are you working on a PhD - Project Half Done? Bring your project and join other needlecrafters as we work on unfinished projects together.

Mon, Jun 02, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Adult Programs - Zoom,Grove Room
Share your love of poetry! Poets share their work in a supportive environment facilitated by Elgin Poet Laureate Emeritus Gareth Mann. Please register.

Mon, Jun 02, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - Computer Training Room
In this series, learn how to use Microsoft PowerPoint to create, design, and edit presentations. Sponsored by Comcast Internet Essentials.
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