Interested in booking a tour or presentation? Check out available presentation topics, then contact Jeff to get started!
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War by listening to the first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried in Woodland Cemetery. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile, two-hour walking tour and reservations can be made by clicking here. Tours often sell out!
His-story in the Making: Crafting Historical Fiction
Join author and historian Jeff Kluever to hear the story of his writing and publishing journey and learn the inspiring tale of the United States Colored Infantry featured in his new book, Marching Home: A Story of Love, War, and Freedom. Jeff studied history at Grinnell College and earned a master's degree from Carroll University. As a former museum professional, Jeff has delivered hundreds of presentations, tours, and programs focused on slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, making history real and consequential to his audiences.
Books for sale after the presentation!
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War by listening to the first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried in Woodland Cemetery. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile, two-hour walking tour and reservations can be made by clicking here. Tours often sell out!
Freedom Will be Theirs By the Sword Presentation
Join us for a compelling presentation on the brave men of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought for freedom and justice during the Civil War - including those with deep ties to Iowa. Learn about their sacrifices, their triumphs, and the powerful legacy they left behind.
This presentation will also highlight the extraordinary life of Christian A. Fleetwood, a USCT sergeant major and Medal of Honor recipient whose courage at New Market Heights became a symbol of heroism and hope, and is featured in the presenter's new book, Marching Home: A Story of Love, War, and Freedom, which will be available for sale after the presentation.
Freedom Will be Theirs By the Sword: The Battle of New Market Heights
On September 29, 1864, fourteen Black men earned the Medal of Honor for their heroic charge against Confederate earthworks outside Richmond, Virginia, levaing hundreds of their own dead and wounded on the field. Learn the stories of former slaves and freemen who fought valiantly for a country that did not yet consider them citizens.
His-story in the Making: Crafting Historical Fiction
Join author and historian Jeff Kluever to hear the story of his writing and publishing journey and learn the inspiring tale of the United States Colored Infantry featured in his new book, Marching Home: A Story of Love, War, and Freedom. Jeff studied history at Grinnell College and earned a master's degree from Carroll University. As a former museum professional, Jeff has delivered hundreds of presentations, tours, and programs focused on slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, making history real and consequential to his audiences.
Books for sale after the presentation!
Book Release Party
Join us at the Jordan House to celebrate the launch of Marching Home.
Drop in anytime between 5-6:30 to grab a drink and celebrate Jeff’s second book making its way into the world!
Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Thanks to the West Des Moines Historical Society for providing the venue.
📖 About the book:
Marching Home, a novel based on historical events, is a story of love, war, and freedom.
Two men. One born a slave. The other born free. Brought together by war, one fights to free the woman he loves, and for the future they’ve dreamed of together. The other fights to prove he is capable of more than what society expects or permits Black men to achieve. On the battlefields of Virginia, they will risk all they have to secure the freedom to live as they see fit.
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War by listening to the first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried in Woodland Cemetery. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile, two-hour walking tour and reservations can be made by clicking here. Tours often sell out!
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War by listening to the first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried in Woodland Cemetery. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile, two-hour walking tour and reservations can be made by clicking here. Tours often sell out!
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour (Private Event for Drake OLLIE Class)
Private Tour for Drake University OLLIE Class
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Ottumwa Civil War Roundtable
Freedom Will Be Theirs by the Sword
The Battle of New Market Heights
On September 29, 1864, fourteen Black men earned the Medal of Honor for their actions charging Confederate earthworks outside Richmond, Virginia, leaving hundreds of their own dead and wounded on the field. Learn the stories of former slaves and freemen who fought valiantly for a country that did not yet consider them citizens.
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War by listening to the first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried in Woodland Cemetery. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile, two-hour walking tour and reservations can be made by clicking here. Tours often sell out!
Fort Des Moines Presentation (Private Event)
Private Event
A Story of Fort Des Moines presentation.
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War by listening to the first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried in Woodland Cemetery. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile, two-hour walking tour and reservations can be made by clicking here. Tours often sell out!
Iowa and the Civil War Presentation
Iowa and the Civil War Presentation
Join Jeff Kluever at the Winterset Public Library where he will deliver a presentation about Iowa and the Civil War and share a few Civil War relics from his collection.
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War by listening to the first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried in Woodland Cemetery. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile, two-hour walking tour and reservations can be made by clicking here. Tours often sell out!
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
On this Civil War-themed tour of Woodland Cemetery, guests will learn the history of Iowa in the Civil War by listening to the first-hand accounts of a few of the men who served and are now buried in Woodland Cemetery. The twelve stops on the tour will highlight stories from Wilson's Creek, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Sherman's March, as well as other engagements, including the experiences of United States Colored Troops now interred at the cemetery. The stories from the men buried at Woodland are supplemented by historic photographs and Civil War relics, bringing their story to life more than a century after their death. Jeff Kluever, Cemetery Historian will lead the 1 ¼ mile, two-hour walking tour and reservations can be made by clicking here. Tours often sell out!
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour (Private Event for Drake OLLIE Class)
Private Tour for Drake University OLLIE Class
Woodland Cemetery Civil War Tour
Read Local Author Fair
Read Local Author Fair
Join Jeff Kluever and other local authors for the “Read Local Author Fair” at the Johnston Public Library from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 24th. Click here for more information.