Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
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

2026-05-02 11:00:00 2026-05-02 12:00:00 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. Hawley Public Library - Hawley Public Library

Saturday, May 02
11:00am - 12:00pm

Hawley Public Library

Hawley Public Library

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!

Hawley Public Library

hawley@larl.org
Phone: 218-483-4549
Branch manager
Melissa Larson

Hours
Skip Open Hours widget
We're closed Monday September 07 due to Labor Day
Mon, Sep 07 Closed
(Labor Day)
Tue, Sep 08 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Wed, Sep 09 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Thu, Sep 10 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Fri, Sep 11 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 12 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Sun, Sep 13 Closed

About the branch

The Hawley Public Library is located on Hartford Street near the Hawley Fire Department. The library offers five public computers and several tables for studying and working space.

Upcoming Events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Fri, Sep 11, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Fri, Sep 11, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Hawley Public Library
Join your library for a presentation with Minnesota author Carrie Classon.

Tue, Sep 15, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Meet and build a community of writers in Hawley to get creative with your words and receive feedback.

Fri, Sep 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Sat, Sep 19, 10:00am - 1:30pm
Everyone is invited to the Hawley Library for a reading party to show support for all libraries and the role they play in our communities. Read with others, enjoy refreshments and craft activities.

Tue, Sep 22, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Join the Hawley Public Library's Book Club for a discussion of "A Daughter of Fair Verona" by Christina Dodd.

Fri, Sep 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Fri, Oct 02, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Tue, Oct 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Meet and build a community of writers in Hawley to get creative with your words and receive feedback.

Thu, Oct 08, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Challenge your friends and family in chess, get creative with LEGOs, or explore a variety of board and tabletop games every second Thursday of the month.

Fri, Oct 09, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.