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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

2026-05-02 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
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Mon, Jul 27 Closed
Tue, Jul 28 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Wed, Jul 29 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Thu, Jul 30 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Fri, Jul 31 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 01 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Sun, Aug 02 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

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Fri, Jul 31, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Mon, Aug 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

Fri, Aug 07, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Mon, Aug 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

Thu, Aug 13, 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, Aug 14, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Mon, Aug 17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

Tue, Aug 18, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Get ready for an after hours Lock-in at the Hawley Library filled with team games and pizza!

Fri, Aug 21, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Mon, Aug 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

Tue, Aug 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Join the Hawley Public Library's Book Club for a discussion of "The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club" by Helen Simonson.

Fri, Aug 28, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.