Truman Memorial Building 416 W. Maple Ave., Independence

In the mid-1800s Missouri was evolving from a rude frontier environment to a modern state. And capturing on canvas both the wilderness and advancing civilization was painter George Caleb Bingham, who resided in Independence for much of the 1860s.

Bingham (1811-1879) - portrayed by actor Robert Gibby Brand - returns for the Library's popular Meet the Past series on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the Truman Memorial Building, 416 Maple St., Independence.

Conducting the interview is library director Crosby Kemper III. The program will be taped by KCPT for later broadcast.

Bingham's large canvas "General Order No. 11"—painted at his studio in Independence—depicted the depredations inflicted by federal troops on civilians in western Missouri, who in 1863 were forced to abandon their homes as part of the army's war with Confederate guerillas. Bingham, a supporter of the Union cause, called the order "an act of imbecility" and purportedly warned Union Gen. Thomas Ewing: "If you execute this order, I shall make you infamous with pen and brush."

A 6 p.m. reception precedes the program.

Major funding for this season of Meet the Past has been provided by the Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust, Ken and Cindy McClain, and the J. B. Reynolds Foundation.