2026 Presentations

Untold Nauvoo Stories Keynote Presentation Community Room

Brian “Fox” Ellis - “Captain Henry Detweiller on The Role of Steamboats in the Union Victory!”

Personal friend of Abraham Lincoln and a direct rival of Mark Twain, Steamboat Captain Henry Detweiller immerses the audience in the vital, though unsung role of steamboats in the Civil War. From the horrors of Shiloh to the siege of Vicksburg, Captain Henry Detweiller was there and shares an eyewitness account. He delivered troops and supplies throughout the War. He shares a unique voice in this important chapter of American history. The program begins and ends with rollicking songs from the era and is woven with original music of a similar timber. The story begins with Detweiller’s immigration to America at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, follows him in his training to be a steamboat captain, meanders through his early friendship with a circuit riding lawyer who later became president, and ends with his rise in local politics and the postwar boom and bust economy. Quoting long passages of Mark Twain’s Life on the Mississippi, intertwined with excerpts from the Captain’s personal riverboat log the audience gets an insider’s perspective on The Role of Steamboats in the Union Victory!

Nancy Benz: “Victoria Claflin Woodhull: Quincy Years”

Discover the fascinating story of Victoria Claflin Woodhull, the first woman to run for President of the United States, and her surprising connection to Quincy, Illinois. This program explores Woodhull’s time in Quincy, her early years of hardship and ambition, and how her experiences here helped shape one of the most remarkable—and controversial—figures of the 19th century women’s rights movement.

Reg Ankrom: “Stephen A. Douglas and Nauvoo”

Ambitious and impatient to practice law, twenty-year-old Stephen A. Douglas in 1833 trekked from New York to Illinois after he learned the state required only that its lawyers be white, male, 21, and a resident for at least six months. He succeeded in being certified for the bar in Illinois. But Douglas found constituents more gratifying than clients and launched a political career that over the next twenty-six years took him to the threshold of the White House. Nauvoo figured closely in that story

Krys Plate & Kathy Burkhardt: “Images of America: Fort Madison Book”

Slideshow presentation highlighting each chapter of their book on Fort Madison. The book has eight chapters that include Early Days, Transportation, Historic Iowa State Penitentiary, Buildings and Businesses, Schools, Churches and Cemeteries, Notable Homes and Around Town. Presentation will include in the slideshow photos from the book with information on each photo.

David Felgar: “Historical Landmarks in Hancock Co. Illinois”

Researching and Explaining Historic Hancock Co. Illinois Historical land markers.

Bob Ziegler: “The History of Powellton, Illinois and its Residents”

The History of Powellton, Illinois and its Residents

Deb & Dan Moffitt: “Excerpts from the Diaries of Annie Newton”

Will talk about Nauvoo, Family and other stories from the early 1800’s. Deb and Dan will share some of this collection; Deb being the voice of Annie.

Donna Lawson: “Christmas Traditions of the Immigrants”

Let's take a peek at some of the Christmas traditions of our Nauvoo ancestors - focusing on German, French, Scottish, and others.

Russ Fry: “The Murder of William Martin”

On August 9, 1832, in retaliation for an attempt by drunken militia men to kill the peaceful Chief Tama, several Meskwaki shot and scalped 23-year-old William Martin near Little York, Illinois in Warren County. The Nauvoo connection will be revealed after the documentary is shown. This is a true story of prejudice, revenge, compassion, and justice

Melody Lloyd & Eileen Smith: “Buttons from Mussels”

Reviewing the history of Nauvoo’s influence on the Pearl Button Industry along the Mississippi River from Hannibal Missouri to Muscatine Iowa in the late 19 th and early 20 th century.

Dave Moehn: “The Steamboat Osprey and its Legendary Bell”

Captain George C. Anderson’s steamboat “Osprey” and its bell were a familiar sight and sound for all of Nauvoo’s residents from 1842-1846 as it carried passengers and cargo between St. Louis and the towns of the upper Mississippi River Valley. Discover the fate of the “Osprey” and follow the legendary journey of its bell from Joseph Smith’s Nauvoo to the present day

Joseph Smith: “Church News – How Publications have Shaped Perceptions in Nauvoo”

“Fake News” has been blamed for distributing false information about public figures recently. This phenomenon is not a new issue in the political arena. Over the years accurate reporting of local events has helped shape public opinion of key issues. In the 1840’s, public opinion of the “saints” living in Nauvoo was shaped by information published by the church as well as local newspapers. This talk will present examples from both sides and will examine how this helped shape what happened in Nauvoo.

Ugo Perego: “Nauvoo Currency and Coins During the 1840&30’s”

This presentation delves into the coins and currency that circulated during this pivotal decade in American history, from the general U.S. coinage of the era to the unique local notes used by Nauvoo residents, and how economic innovation and faith intertwined as settlers built a thriving community amid a growing nation. You’ll also hear about a gold coin unearthed during an archaeological excavation in Nauvoo—an artifact that offers a tangible link to the city’s past.

Sharon Nicholl: “The history of the Joseph Smith Museum at the Nauvoo Log Cabins”

The Joseph Smith Museum is free to the public and situated only a few miles from the Nauvoo Historic Sites at the Nauvoo Log Cabins accommodations. This amazing collection of artifacts was arranged and presented by Don and Ann Black. It is housed in an 1840 log cabin that was relocated from near Pittsfield, Pike County, Illinois.