The Bonds of War - Lake County Union Army Soldiers

Diana L. Dretske is the author of the new book "The Bonds of War: A Story of Immigrants and Esprit de Corps in Company C, 96th Illinois Volunteer Infantry".  This book tells the story of five young men from Lake County who fought for the Union from 1862 to 1865. This book was deeply researched using the original source material from these soldiers and the publications of the era. The author has previously published a history of Lake County and Fort Sheridan. Diana L. Dretske is a curator and historian at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County. The Illinois State Historical Society has recently recognized her work with a lifetime achievement award for outstanding contributions to promoting, preserving and commemorating Illinois history.