By April Garon

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Investigate the impact of the Civil War and behold the work of local artists this weekend while taking in the warm July sunshine.

While a chance of storms exists in the forecast for today and Sunday, expect sun and high temperatures Friday and Saturday.

Natchez National Historical Park

Natchez National Historical Park Historian Jefferson Mansell will present his lecture, titled, “Without Opposition: The Yankee Occupation of Natchez,” tonight at the Historic Natchez Foundation on Commerce Street. Mansell said the presentation would focus on what the occupation entailed for Natchez, through first hand accounts.

“I’ll present impressions of Natchez from Union soldiers as well as explore the impact it had on the Natchez community, particularly African-Americans,” Mansell said.

This week marks the 150th anniversary of the occupation of Natchez.

“It was a momentous event that changed Natchez forever,” Mansell said. “It came as a complete surprise to Natchez residents.”

Mansell spent two years researching the topic.

The program will be an informal presentation and discussion, and the audience is encouraged to ask questions. A related exhibit produced by the National Park Service is on display at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center on Canal Street.

Mansell’s lecture begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

ArtsNatchez/Second Saturday

ArtsNatchez Gallery will feature two local artists at a reception as part of downtown’s Second Saturday event.

Ann Faillace and D.W. “Red” Bryant’s work will be specially displayed on a designated wall in the second room of the gallery.

“The public can meet the featured artists, as well as other artists affiliated with ArtsNatchez that will be attending,” organizer Ariel Gardner said.

Faillace works in mixed media, including watercolor, oils and acrylic. She takes inspiration from the local landscape.

Bryant is skilled in the craft of woodturning, making intricate wooden bowls

The two artists’ new artwork will be featured throughout the month of July.

The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Refreshments will be provided.

The reception is part of Second Saturday, which highlights what local businesses have to offer by extending their business hours.

Kitten Adoption Day

The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society will sponsor an “adopt a kitten, get one free” adoption day in the parking lot of the Liberty Road shelter Saturday.

The kittens are not old enough to be spayed or neutered, but the $35 adoption fee will cover the surgery, which NACHS will help adopters schedule at a later date.

The adoption will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and adoptable kittens can be viewed online at natchezpetadoptions.org.

The humane society is asking that if people cannot adopt kittens, they stop by the shelter and drop off a donation. Donations can also be made online or mailed to P.O. Box 549, Natchez, MS, 39121.

The shelter is located at 392 Liberty Road.