Janke recounted how Washington, a small, essentially Southern city in 1861, underwent explosive growth and profound cultural change during the war as tens of thousands of Union soldiers poured in to defend the vulnerable capital and as dozens of makeshift hospitals were built to care for the wounded and dying.
Janke's presentation was based on her new book, A Guide to Civil War Washington, D.C., published by The History Press.
Janke served as curator of the Kiplinger Washington Collection and collections manager of the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. She has authored a number of books and articles on aspects of the city's history and delivered many lectures, including three previous Overbeck Lectures.
The event was held at the Naval Lodge Hall at 330 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E. and concluded with an author book signing.
