Rhode Island's Civil War Hospital with Frank Grzyb

Author and Portsmouth resident Frank L. Grzyb will
present his new book Rhode Island’s Civil War Hospital : Life and Death at Portsmouth Grove, 1862 – 1865 at Portsmouth Free Public Library on Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30 PM.  During the Civil War, thousands of wounded Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners recuperated in a general army hospital in Portsmouth Grove, Rhode Island.  Very little has been written about this hospital because of its location away from the main action of the war.  However, its story and the stories of all those associated with the hospital provide a new perspective on the interaction between the army and society in wartime and on life in Civil War America. This study details hospital life and medical care during the Civil War era and the
role of citizens in providing aid.  The later adventures of former patients and staff and the final resting places of those who died on the grounds are also examined.

Frank L. Grzyb was drafted into the army in 1969 and sent
to Vietnam in 1970. He was assigned to the 1st Logistical Command and later the U.S. Army, Vietnam, in the coastal city of Qui Nhon. Before departing Vietnam, Frank was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign medals. Educated at Nichols College and Fairleigh
Dickinson Univeristy Graduate School, Frank is now retired from government service.  He is the author of Touched
by the Dragon (1998) and Ain’t Much of a War (2005) and numerousmagazine and newspaper articles.

This program is free and open to the public but seating
is limited.  Please stop by or call the Library at 683-9457 to sign up.    Rhode Island’s Civil War Hospital will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation.