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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, May 11 Closed
Tue, May 12 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Wed, May 13 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Thu, May 14 1:00PM to 7:00PM
Fri, May 15 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 16 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Sun, May 17 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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Thu, May 14, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Step out of the house and into the fun at Family Game Night! Challenge your friends and family in chess, get creative with LEGOs, or explore a variety of board and tabletop games.

Fri, May 15, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Tue, May 19, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Meet and build a community of writers in Hawley to get creative with your words and receive feedback.

Fri, May 22, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Tue, May 26, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Join the Hawley Public Library's Book Club for a discussion of "The Guest List" by Lucy Foley.

Fri, May 29, 11:00am - 11:30am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow.

Mon, Jun 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join the Hawley Public Library and Candace Perry all summer long at Westgate Park for Outdoor Storytime!

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.