Clara Barton

Relish the charm and grit of Clara Barton, angel of the Civil War battlefield and founder of the American Red Cross in one of two programs:

Patriot Angel

SMF as CB home page

Red Cross Program

Travel back to the late 1880s. Miss Clara Barton is well known as a public speaker describing her battlefield experiences during the Civil War. These trials laid the groundwork for activities after the war: First she established and ran an "Office for Missing Soldiers," thus creating the first of what later will become known as a "Missing in Action" list. Next she worked to establish the American Red Cross. The latter undertaking demanded educating the public, lobbying with Congress, and working with the press — all from the disadvantage-point of being a woman in a society that assigned very little power to her gender.  Find out how her record with soldiers and veterans gave her the support she needed.  Hear Clara's tribute to those who serve in our armed forces - soldier, veteran, and their families. Discover how she worked her way through government red tape both to care for the wounded during the war and years later to convince the United States government to bring the Red Cross to America.

On the Battlefield - Between the Bullet and the Hospital

Civil War Program

Follow Miss Barton to the battlefield as she tends to wounded soldiers, and find out why they thought of her as their "Angel." Along the way, learn how a childhood experience with family tragedy, early lessons in arithmetic and composition, and a love of adventure led her to volunteer her nursing services during the Civil War. Her life stands as a shining example of how everything we learn — from our family, in school, and throughout the wider world — can serve us in finding and fulfilling our life purpose.  (Most often chosen for youth audiences.)

Both programs last approximately one hour and consist of a 40-45 minute monologue in-character, followed first by a Q&A with "Clara Barton" and then by a Q&A with the scholar/presenter.  Clara Barton's fortitude under fire and tenacious dedication to the cause of humanity stand as a role model for all time.