John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library
Some of the books in the John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library collection at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
NPS
The John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library is housed in the Wilson's Creek Visitor Center complex. The library includes around 15,000 cataloged books and other items such as regimental histories for many Civil War units.
For information, call Connie Langum, Park Historian at 417-732-2662 Ext. 225
New Library Hours
Beginning Tuesday, September 20, 2022, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will implement new seasonal hours at the John K. and Ruth Hulston Library. The Research Library is housed in the Visitor Center and is non-circulating collection. The Research Library focuses on the Civil War with an emphasis on the Trans-Mississippi theater of war, Missouri, and the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. The collection includes approximately 15,000 books and other items, such as regimental histories for many Civil War units, as well as a list of casualties for the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. Staff members can perform limited research for patrons by regular mail, e-mail, telephone or in person.
Library hours from March 1 to November 15:
Sunday and Monday— Closed
Tuesday— Appointment only
Wednesday— Appointment only
Thursday— Open 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
Friday— Open 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
Saturday— Open 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
Library hours from November 15 to February 28:
Sunday and Monday—Closed
Tuesday— Appointment only
Wednesday— Appointment only
Thursday— Appointment only
Friday— Open 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
Saturday— Open 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm
The library is closed Sunday and Monday year-round and all Federal holidays. It is also closed during the holidays from December 24, 2022,through January 5, 2023.
To schedule an appointment or for more information on available library services, please contact park historian, Connie Langum, at Connie_Langum@nps.gov or by phone at 417-732-2662, extension 225.
History and Holdings
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield founded the John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library in 1985, and dedicated a new library building in April 2003. Springfield attorney John K. Hulston and his wife Ruth donated the core of the library collection. Currently, the library contains more than 12,000 items, most of which are related to the Civil War period and the Civil War in the Trans-Mississippi Theater.
Public Use
All library items are non-circulating, but are available for on-site use. Some items are accessible digitally via sites such as the Internet Archive and HathiTrust Digital Library. Hulston Library catalog records include digital links to online resources, when available. (See link below to NPS LIBRIS Discovery search portal.)
Reference Services
Staff members are able to perform limited research for patrons by regular mail, e-mail, telephone or in person.
To search for Civil War research resources available through the Hulston Library:
Users also may search WICR library holdings at coolcat.org
Extensive research on a particular topic should be done in person when possible. Appointments are recommended at this time for research.
Contact Information
To schedule an appointment or for more information on available library services, please contact park historian, Connie Langum, at Connie_Langum@nps.gov or by phone at 417-732-2662, extension 225.
Resources for Genealogy & Other Research
National Archives Records: The library has electronic access to the National Archives Compiled Service Records of all Confederate soldiers, and Union soldiers from selected states. Copies may be requested free of charge from the Hulston Library or ordered for a fee from the National Archives. Forms to obtain copies of National Archives records are available at the Hulston Library, or you may visit the National Archives page How to Order Older Military Service or Pension Records.
Regimental Histories and Rosters: The Hulston Library at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield contains many histories of individual Civil War regiments, especially Union units. In addition, many Northern state adjutant general's reports and other regimental materials are available. Limited information is available on Southern units. The Hulston Library also has published rosters giving basic information on Civil War soldiers, and staff will search for particular names on request. Call 417-732-2662 x224 for information.
The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System: Those seeking ancestors via the internet may consult the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System database, which contains brief service histories (name, rank and unit) for most Civil War service members.
