By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK — When it comes to a heritage of military service, Michigan and the Downriver area have a deeper history than some might imagine. Authors Martin Bertera and Kim Crawford hope to correct some of that oversight with their new book, “The 4th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War” (Michigan State University Press).
The authors are scheduled to speak and answer questions at the next meeting of the Lincoln Park Historical Society on Wednesday, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Historical Society and Museum, 1335 Southfield Road.
The author appearance continues the Society’s mission of preserving the city’s long history. Curator Jeff Day said that visitors and longtime residents alike are surprised to learn the extent of the town’s military heritage.
“The War of 1812 was the first war for soldiers in the area,” Day said. In the Civil War, the 4th Infantry Michigan played a vital part of the Union effort, and the book recounts the unit’s experiences at Gettysburg.
The Society invites families with documents, old uniforms or other memorabilia to share information on the combat service of former residents. Day said that the permanent collection housed in the former Post Office building continues to add pieces which tell a story both local and national, through World Wars and automotive invention.
As part of the Society’s Saturday Film Series, a presentation is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday of Francis Ford Coppola’s “Tucker: The Man and His Dream,” starring Jeff Bridges as automotive dreamer Preston Tucker. There is no admission charge for the movie.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])