On Monday, March 3, WTIU presents an evening dedicated to exploring the Civil War’s lasting impact through two compelling documentaries. These programs offer unique perspectives—one focusing on the experiences of a Midwestern community and the other providing a sweeping national view of the conflict. Together, they offer insight into how the war shaped both local and national histories.

A Generation at War: The Civil War Era in a Northern Community
Monday, March 3 at 8pm

A Generation at War offers a deeply researched microhistory of Putnam County, Indiana, from the Compromise of 1850 to the end of Reconstruction. The film explores how the citizens of Greencastle—both Black and White—responded to and were affected by the Civil War.A Generation at War delves into how issues such as race, sectionalism, and temperance shaped the lives of local residents. Discover the personal stories, from women gaining independence through pensions to the arrival of Black Exodusters transforming race relations in the community.

Ken Burns: The Civil War
Monday, March 3 at 9:30pm

See highlights from Ken Burns' iconic nine-part documentary series, The Civil War. This landmark film, first released in 1990, provides a sweeping exploration of the war through archival images, live cinematography of battlefields, and first-person accounts. Drawing on numerous photographs, historical footage, and expert commentary, Burns captures the human cost of the war and its lasting impact on America’s political and social landscape.