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Image for event: Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero

Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero

with Historian and Author Steve Hoffbeck

2026-04-23 18:00:00 2026-04-23 19:00:00 America/Chicago Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero Join your library for a presentation bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life. Detroit Lakes Public Library - Meeting Room

Thursday, April 23
6:00pm - 7:00pm

Join your library for a presentation bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life.

Why did Minnesotans so deeply admire Colonel William Colvill, the 6’5” Civil War hero? Join your library for a presentation by Minnesota author and historian Steve Hoffbeck bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life.


In his latest book, “Colvill Smiled,” Hoffbeck weaves together the powerful recollections, speeches and writings of William Colvill and Martin Maginnis, two officers from Red Wing who led their men through the smoke and fire of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. 


The program is offered free-of-charge thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Legacy Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Books will be available for purchase with a book signing following the presentation.
About Author Steve Hoffbeck:
Our speaker, Steve Hoffbeck, is a self-described “old but lively” Minnesotan who grew up as a farmer’s son near Morgan. His first book, The Haymakers, was a Minnesota Book Award winner. Hoffbeck, a recently retired professor (Minnesota State University Moorhead), and his wife, Dianne, live in Barnesville, MN, and have four adult children and seven grandchildren.

Find "Colvill Smiled": The Legend of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Regiment at Gettysburg in the library collection here!

Detroit Lakes Public Library

Phone: 218-847-2168

Hours
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Mon, Jul 27 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Tue, Jul 28 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Wed, Jul 29 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Thu, Jul 30 9:00AM to 7:00PM
Fri, Jul 31 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 01 9:00AM to 3:00PM
Sun, Aug 02 Closed

About the branch

The Detroit Lakes Public Library is located in downtown Detroit Lakes at the intersection of Washinton Ave. and Frazee Street. The library offers two meeting rooms, four study rooms, a legal kiosk, free Wi-Fi and much more.

Upcoming Events

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Fri, Jul 31, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join children's librarian Eliza Gores at the Becker County Fair for a fun interactive story telling experience. Become part of the story or sit back and enjoy the silliness!

Mon, Aug 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Mon, Aug 03, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Get help from library staff with your technology and electronic device questions monthly on the first Monday. Registration preferred.

Tue, Aug 04, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Join us for a presentation by Master Gardener Intern, Jan Albanese, on sharing insights into Claude Monet’s approach to gardening and design.

Wed, Aug 05, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Our monthly Writers' Group is a place for writers of all levels to come together and share your work, ideas, and encouragement with each other. All genres welcome.  

Thu, Aug 06, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.

Thu, Aug 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us at Bucks Mill Brewing for the After Hours Book Club meeting to discuss this month's book, "News of the World" by Paulette Jiles.

Mon, Aug 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Thu, Aug 13, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.

Fri, Aug 14, 10:00am - 11:00am
Visit the Becker County Museum and enjoy a Storytime with the Detroit Lakes Public Library Book Bike on the rooftop patio. Admission is free.

Mon, Aug 17, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Tue, Aug 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us to discuss "The Martian" by Andy Weir. All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book.

Thu, Aug 20, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.

Mon, Aug 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us on Monday mornings for songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Tue, Aug 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Join us for an engaging, interactive and inclusive story and play time. Our library offers a welcoming, accessible space where children of all abilities can enjoy the magic of storytelling.  

Tue, Aug 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Join local author Jodell Teiken for an engaging and approachable introduction to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Library Club.

Wed, Aug 26, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Come join us for an unplugged jam. All experience levels are welcome to this supportive and family-friendly event. Bring your acoustic instrument and come have some fun!

Thu, Aug 27, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime.