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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

Add to Calendar 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

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, Jun 01 Closed
Tue, Jun 02 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Wed, Jun 03 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Thu, Jun 04 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Fri, Jun 05 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jun 06 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Sun, Jun 07 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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Wed, Jun 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Use a variety of craft supplies to make your own stick horse out of pool noodles to take home!

Fri, Jun 05, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Mon, Jun 08, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

Wed, Jun 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Clay County Farm Bureau for a fun time with blueberries at Westgate Park!

Thu, Jun 11, 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, Jun 12, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Mon, Jun 15, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

Wed, Jun 17, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Let's learn about pumpkins! We'll explore a fun story, learn fun wild pumpkin facts, and learn about healthy snacks with Master Gardeners!

Mon, Jun 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

Tue, Jun 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Join the Hawley Public Library's Book Club for a discussion of "The Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon.

Wed, Jun 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Learn about the Hjemkomst Viking Ship with Markus Krueger of the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County.

Fri, Jun 26, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Mon, Jun 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

Wed, Jul 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Learn dance moves from different eras that have become fan favorites.

Fri, Jul 03, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.