Book Signing and Gallery Showing

Date: March 4, 2011
Contact: Carlin Timmons, [phone]

The National Park Service is pleased to announce the debut of a new children’s book, Jack the Cat that Went to War, about the garrison cat at Fort Sumter. Through the eyes of Jack, youngsters can explore antebellum Charleston, learn about slavery, experience Fort Sumter during the Civil War, and appreciate the impact of the war on liberty. From 3:00–5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011 the author, artist, models and the 21 original oil paintings for the book will be at the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center at Liberty Square in Charleston. Children of all ages are welcome. Copies of the first edition will be available in the park’s bookstore for signing.

“We want to engage children in learning about history, and they are drawn to the subject by the cat,” says Russell Horres, the author. Horres, a Charleston native and long-time Fort Sumter volunteer, drew upon his extensive research into Fort Sumter’s history and construction in writing the book. Artist Kate Sherrill’s illustrations with full color scenes of Charleston and Fort Sumter were all painted with attention to historical accuracy.

“This book has been five years in the making,” said Chief Ranger Dawn Davis. “We are delighted to have it available in time for the 150th anniversary observance of the Civil War.”

Fort Sumter National Monument is administered by the National Park Service. Located at 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC, the visitor center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for New Year’s, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. For more information, call [phone].