News Release: Asian Americans in the Civil War Discussion Scheduled at Thomas Balch Library

Leesburg, VA (October 29, 2026) – Thomas Balch Library will host Daniel J. Sieh in a talk on “Between Red, White and Blue: Asian Americans in American Civil War” on Sunday, November 8, at 2:00 p.m.

American national identity has always been framed as a struggle of two sides: Patriots and Loyalists, Union and Confederate, Free and Enslaved. But what does it mean to someone who does not fit neatly in either category? Would you fight for it? This talk illustrates the story of Asian immigration to the United States in the turmoil of the American Civil War by reflecting on what it means to navigate a changing society by those who took arms to defend it. The history of Asians in the United States reflects the underlying history that connects all in their pursuit of the “American Dream.”

Sieh is a Living Historian with over 13 years of experience working with historical museums throughout the East Coast. Previously, Sieh worked at Colonial Williamsburg and later at Claude Moore Colonial Farm as one of their historical interpreters. He graduated with a history degree from the College of William and Mary in 2016 and has a master’s degree from American University.

The program will be held in the lower-level meeting room at Thomas Balch Library, 208 West Market Street, Leesburg.

Pre-registration is required for this event. Please call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or register online.

###