LIVERMORE — Just as the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is about to host its biggest fundraising event of the year this weekend comes fresh recognition of Elihu B. Washburne, one of the seven famous Washburn brothers of Livermore.

David McCullough, prize-winning author and nationally recognized historian, has just published his newest book “The Greater Journey, Americans in Paris.” It includes the adventures of Elihu Washburne, American minister to France during the years of the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune, Kathleen Beauregard, executive director of Norlands said in a news release. Elihu added an “e” to the end of the Washburne name, she said.

McCullough visited the Washburn Memorial Library at Norlands in 2010, where he found much correspondence on which to base his story, she said. 

In a follow up letter, McCullough wrote “this great collection of family memorabilia and voluminous manuscripts — letters, diaries — at the Washburn Library … is one of the most remarkable historic treasures of its kind that I have ever seen,” Beauregard said.

The Washburn Memorial Library houses many documents from the Washburn family, including letters written during the Civil War by several Washburn wives and husbands. These letters will be on exhibit in the gothic library during this weekend’s rally and Civil War re-enactment event. 

The public will be welcome. For more information, visit www.norlands.org, or call 207-897-4366.

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