Old Governor's Mansion hosts “The Day the War Stopped” Oct. 17

BATON ROUGE - David Norwood, artist, illustrator and history enthusiast, will speak at the Foundation for Historical Louisiana's (FHL) Heritage Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Old Governor's Mansion.

His lecture, entitled "The Day the War Stopped," will highlight a historic day of peace in St. Francisville that took place during one of the bloodiest months of the Civil War.

When Captain John E. Hart of the U.S. Navy died suddenly, the war was stopped. Hart, a devout Mason, had requested a Masonic funeral. The Confederate Masons were asked to do the honors thereby halting the war for a day of peace.

The funeral for Hart took place on June 12, 1863. This event is re-enacted every year by the same Masonic Lodge in St. Francisville.

The lecture will include details of the event, the war, and of the local residents who played a role in this historic day.

The lecture is free for FHL members and $10 for guests. The event will be held in the East Room of the Old Governor's Mansion at 502 North Boulevard in Baton Rouge.

Individuals are urged to pre-register for the event via www.fhl.org or by phone at 225-387-2464. Calandro's Select Cellars and Fine Wines will host the reception beginning at 6 p.m. The lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m.