Presented by Victor Vignola For many students of the Civil War, there is but one notable event from the fighting at Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, which has attracted their attention. Confederate Maj. Gen. Joseph Johnston, while observing the fighting occurring near Fair Oaks Station during the evening hours of May 31, suffered wounds that rendered him unable to continue with command of his army. Prompted by Johnston’s wounding, President Jefferson Davis appointed General Robert E. Lee to command the Army of Northern Virginia, thus propelling Lee into legendary status.

Long called by some the “Andersonville of the North”, the prisoner of war camp in Elmira, New York, is remembered as the most notorious of all Union-run POW camps. It existed for only a year - from the summer of 1864 to July 1865 - but in that time, and for long after, it became darkly emblematic of man’s inhumanity to man. Confederate prisoners called it “Hellmira” In Hellmira: The Union’s Most Infamous Civil War Prison Camp - Elmira, NY, Derek Maxfield contextualizes the rise of prison camps during the Civil War, explores the failed exchange of prisoners, and tells the tale of the creation and evolution of the prison camp in Elmira. In the end, Maxfield suggests that it is time to move on from the blame game and see prisoner of war camps - North and South - as a great humanitarian failure.

Welcome to our monthly speakers platform. All ranging topics involving the American Civil War April 12, 1861-April 9 1865. Enjoy the speakers and learned the history of the American Civil War.

Tens of thousands of Irish-born men (and a handful of women) and an even larger number of Irish and Scots-Irish descendants fought in the Civil War, with Sons of Erin serving prominently in both the Union and Confederate armies. Many left compelling personal stories of their martial service, or of Irish comrades. You will hear interesting and unusual tales of courage, boldness and/or humor. This anthology also includes brief biographies of several leading Irish soldiers and personalities, including Patrick Cleburne, Father William Corby, James Shields, Michael Corcoran, and the incomparable Thomas Francis Meagher of the famed Irish Brigade. Multiple award-winning author Scott Mingus has teamed with long-time living historian and Civil War buff Gerard Mayers to present more than 150 of the best of these stories. Here, in this unique collection, readers will find interesting or unusual tales of courage, boldness, and/or humor. Many have rarely been seen in print since their original publication more than a century ago. They have been condensed and reworded for the modern reader, and the original sources have been cited. This anthology also includes brief biographies of several leading Irish soldiers and personalities, including Patrick Cleburne, Father William Corby, James Shields, Michael Corcoran, and the incomparable Thomas Francis Meagher of the famed Irish Brigade.

The program tonight is one he has been working on for the past 6 years (and may never be done with the research) – the battle at Little Round Top, July 2, 1863, Gettysburg, PA. There have been countless books written on the subject, most pretty good and a few really bad. He found in his readings that there seemed to be a number of inconsistencies in many of the studies including what is supposed to be well known, accepted facts. It isn’t that there is not enough primary source material but the fact that it has been mis- interpreted or taken out of practical context or even not mentioned. Also, considering his combat experience in Vietnam, most authors have not sufficiently analyzed terrain and the impact on troop movement, positioning, and battle activity. In addition, few authors have attempted to factor in decisioning making by Strong Vincent and other commanders (including CSA) affecting and influencing the battle. We are not wing-walking in review of these matters but taking a historiographic approach in determining what likely was the reasoning for actions on the battlefield. He will also discuss the relative importance of Little Round Top in context with other action. There will be new material presented for the audience to evaluate and consider regarding one of the most popular (next to Pickett’s Charge) affairs of the Gettysburg battle. Joe is in the process of publishing a book on this topic. He has completed the manuscript and is working with a publisher. We hope to see this in the book stores in the future. CONGRATULATIONS Joe !!!!!!!

Civil War Balloon Corps from 1861 to 1863 the North made over 3,000 successful ascensions with only seven balloons. The South had about 10 successful ascensions with only two balloons, E.P. Alexander wrote” I never understood why the enemy abandoned the use of military balloons. ...the cost was worth the annoyance and delays they caused trying to keep their movements out of site” Dr. James Green is NASA’s Chief Scientist and Director of Planetary Science Division National Aeronautics and Space Administration For more than 25 years he has conducted research into Civil War from the University of Iowa in 1979. He has worked for NASA for over 35 years. Although his day job involves NASA activities, for more than 25 years he has had a passion in Civil War history and ballooning and has spoken at a number of events.

The original railroad that ran across the property between 1838 and 1903. Construction and photographs Lincoln funeral train re-creation.t ran across the property between 1838 and 1903. Construction and photographs Lincoln funeral train re-creation.

The Wilderness holds a place all its own in Civil War Lore, as Lee and Grant clash for the first time. The "dark, close wood" seemed impenetrable and mysterious, as the armies slaughtered each other and the forest around them burned.

Mark will consider why may have been on Lee's mind after the first two days at Gettysburg. He delves into the strategic and psychological factors which influenced Lee's thinking along with a little recognized difference in Lee's and Longstreet's war time experience, that might make all the difference on July 3rd, Pickett's Charge.

I apologize that this presentation is not complete because the battery died and about 15 minutes was not recorded. On October 28, 2017, members of the Hershey Civil War Roundtable participated in a double request tour. Request 1 was to visit farm sites on the battlefield that are passed on normal driving tour. Request 2 was that stories of Gettysburg females impacted by the battle be included in the tour. These two requests resulted in a 16 stop tour. This power point presentation Some Farms and Females at Gettysburg" is fulfilling a request to bring the tour inside through photographs for the enjoyment and edification of those who were not able to participate in the battlefields tour. The word "Some" is included in the title simply because onle some of the farms and females impacted in the battle are included, not all of them.

Jim has been collecting unique artifacts for over 40 years and will share these through various displays while explaining their relationship to the invasion. March 2019

Linda discussed the harrowing experiences of 30 citizens who were killed, wounded, or narrowly escaped death during the battle, or right before or after the actual battle. Unfortunately, their names are seldom mentioned today. Jennie Wade's story, obviously is included. Her neighbors in the other half of the house where she was killed have a tragic story of their own.

When Stonewall Jackson purchases a small Morgan Horse for his wife from a capture east-bound B&O train, he could not have imagined the fate which awaited them in the months ahead. The pair would become one of the most famous horse and rider teams in military history. COL Gibson traces the amazing story of the war, post war, and post-life of Little Sorrel.

This is an introduction to the use of artillery by the armies of Gettysburg. We will examine the equipment, organization and logistical support of artillery. The emphasis of this program will be the way in which procedures developed from army manuals and earlier battle experience influenced how artillery was used during the three days of Gettysburg.

Mary Turk-Meena – Walk Along Hancock Avenue A virtual stroll down Hancock Avenue from the Pennsylvania Monument to the High Water Mark and the Angle, this program visits (virtually) the monuments along this stretch of Hallowed Ground and explores the stories behind the monuments as well as the stories of some of the soldiers who courageously fought to defend the Union on the afternoons of July 2 and July 3. About our Speaker: Licensed Battlefield Guide Mary Turk-Meena is a retired attorney. She specialized in employer-sponsored Mary Turk-Meena is a retired attorney and has been a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National MilitaryPark since 2016. She practiced law for 35 years focusing on employer-sponsored employee benefit plans –retirement, health care and executive compensation – largely for Fortune 100 companies headquartered in theUnited States, Europe and Asia. Mary was recognized by colleagues and clients in the publication Best Lawyers inAmerica. Mary received her undergraduate degree in music performance from Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory ofMusic and her law degree from Temple University.

Kristopher White – The Bliss Farm The Gettysburg battlefield is dotted with farms that are now famous to many Civil War buffs: the McPherson Farm, the Trostle Farm, or the Brian Farm. Yet, one overlooked farmstead owned by William and Adeline Bliss was caught in a raging man-made tempest. Situated between the Federal and Confederate lines, the farm played host to some of the fiercest small unit actions at Gettysburg. Join Kristopher White as he explores one of the forgotten actions atGettysburg, the Battle for the Bliss Farm. And learn how this now tranquil landscape witnessed the genesis of theUnited States Army Tank Corps. He will be speaking about the turmoil at the Bliss Farm during the battles at Gettysburg. The farm is yards from battlefield tour routes and seldom visited. However, this same area became a vital tank training ground for General Eisenhower, Camp Colt. About our Speaker: Kris is the deputy director of education at the American Battlefield Trust. He is a graduate of Norwich University with an M.A. in Military History, as well as a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in History.For nearly five years he served as a ranger-historian at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.White is the co-founder and chief historian of Emerging Civil War and is also the co-creator of the Engaging theCivil War Series, which is a partnership between Southern Illinois University Press and Emerging Civil War. An award winning speaker and editor, White has authored, co-authored, or edited nearly two-dozen books; and he frequently leads tours in the United States and abroad.He also served as a historian for the Penn-Trafford Recreation Board and a continuing education instructor for the Community College of Alleghey County nearPittsburgh, PA.

Jeff Plummer – Delaware from a Southern Perspective Jeff will be speaking about Fort Delaware and Confederate Delaware History About our Speaker: Jeff has always had a love for War Between the States History and Heritage. He is Life Member of the Sons ofConfederate Veterans and the current Commander with The Delaware Grays Camp 2068 located in Seaford Delaware. In addition, Jeff is a Reenactor with the 46th Virginia, Eastern Shore Refugees.

Music of the Civil War Come and be entertained by Civil War and Gettysburg Battle Veteran James Maclay

Scott Mingus, a retired scientist and executive in the global pulp & paper industry, holds patents in self-adhesive postage stamps and bar code labels. He was part of the research team that developed the first commercially-successful self-adhesive U.S. postage stamps. He has written 25 Civil War and Underground Railroad books. His biography of Confederate General William “Extra Billy” Smith was nominated for or won multiple awards, including the Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr. Literary Prize. He also wrote several articles for Gettysburg Magazine and other journals. Scott maintains a blog on the Civil War history of York County PA (www.yorkblog.com/cannonball) and received the 2013 Heritage Profile Award from the York County History Center for his many contributions to local Civil War history. He also has written six scenario books on miniature wargaming and was elected to the hobby’s prestigious Legion of Honor. His great-great-grandfather was a 15-year-old drummer boy in the 51st Ohio Infantry, and other family members fought in the Army of the Potomac at Antietam and Gettysb

This was a research program by park staff and photographic specialists to locate where the notorious scene of Union dead on the battlefield of Gettysburg was photographed by Alexander Gardner in July 1863. “Finding the Harvest of Death” is a detailed description of efforts made by park historians and independent researchers between 2002 and 2013 to locate the site of two photographs taken at Gettysburg by Alexander Gardner on July 6-7, 1863, specifically the only known images of Federal dead on the battlefield. Titled by Gardner as “A Harvest of Death”, these views were first published in his “Photographic Sketchbook” in 1866, and have long been a mystery as to where they were taken on the field. John compares past inconclusive efforts to find the location of the scene, the subject of constant discussion among researchers and buffs. It’s due to additional photographic and textural research by the people he will discuss what leads them to conclude the scene was photographed on the first day’s battlefield. John will also discuss Gardner’s objectives in visiting Gettysburg in greater detail. Typically, the photos I refer to are easily recognized as representing Gettysburg. And while there is ongoing discussion of the location in on-line discussion groups and at seminars, I think what I present is more convincing than any other site on the battlefield.

Catesby: Eyewitness to the Civil War is the saga of a real slave who was captured by John Brown during the famous raid at Harpers Ferry in 1859. The book follows Catesby's life after the raid and his determined quest to become a free black man.During his journey, Catesby encounters abuse, terrible conflicts, trusted friendships and love, as the war seems to follow him from place to place. A skilled blacksmith and an educated man, Catesby becomes the inside source to describe events you could not even imagine. You will find his story unforgettable, but also very believable

Speaker BOB ETCHBERGER Topic Tramp, Tramp, Tramp... The March of the 93rd PA to Gettysburg July 1st On the evening of July 1, 1863, the Army of the Potomac’s 6th Corps received a message that a battle was being fought at Gettysburg. They were to get there as soon as possible. Thus, began an epic march of 36 miles in 17 hours with the 93rd PA, the “Lebanon Infantry,” in the lead. Let’s join the 93rd on this epic march to the bloody fields at Gettysburg.

William H. Tipton: The Man Behind the Camera – how he influenced theGettysburg Battlefield.” Most, if not all, Battle of Gettysburg buffs have heard about Gettysburg photographer William H. Tipton. Tipton studied photography as the apprentice of Charles and Isaac Tyson, who were among the earliest Gettysburg photographers, and he later went into business for himself, taking thousands of photographs of visitors to the Gettysburg battlefield, where he also established Tipton Park and was a major force behind the establishment of the Gettysburg Electric Railway’s trolley line on the battlefield. By 1888, Tipton had produced approximately 5,000 views of the Gettysburg battlefield (the vast majority of the collection was acquired by the Gettysburg National Military Park from C. Tyson Tipton in 1935) and more than 100,000 portraits. Join amateur historian Randy Drais as we learn not only about William H. Tipton’s many influences on Gettysburg, the battlefield, and the Gettysburg National Military Park, but also his family and their involvement as well, and see many of Tipton’s rarely seen battlefield photographs. Born and raised in York, Pennsylvania, Randy Drais developed a keen interest in the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Campaign immediately after a 5th grade field trip to that famous Civil War battlefield. A lifelong passion to learn more resulted in his creation in March of 2008 of a website, http:// battleofgettysburgbuff.com, for individuals who wish to learn and do more than the average visitor to the battlefield.

May 20, 2021 Stephen Romaine --Secret Army Behind Enemy Lines The Back Story of How Grant Took Richmond-- Secret Army Behind Enemy Lines is a historical fiction rich in drama and intrigue, weaved around pivotal women characters. There have been countless number of books written about the Civil War, but not like Secret Army. It provides a “connect the dots” revisionist perspective on two consequential women working together to help tip the scales in favor of the North. Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond socialite, is committed to assisting the Union and the emancipation of slaves. Assuming the role of a housemaid inside the Confederate White House, Mary Bower, born a slave to the Van Lew Family spies against her unwitting masters, passing intelligence to Elizabeth and her network of operatives, including members of the Richmond elite, the working class, slaves and former slaves of the Underground Railroad. The plot is grounded in plausible historical evidence discovered through extensive research. Secret Army strives to be provocative, as well as an entertaining read. It echoes some of the most revenant and contentious themes of today. To Purchase Stephen Romaine Book-- Secret Army Behind Enemy Lines The Back Story of How Grant Took Richmond--Click the link below. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X754TXL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Across the Confederacy, ominous signs were everywhere The Peace Conference had failed. Large areas were overrun, the armies could not stop the Unions advances, the economy was in shambles, and industry and infrastructure were crumbling. The Confederacy could not make, move or maintain anything. No one knew what the future held but uncertainty. Civilians, soldiers, generals and governors resolved to fight to the bitter end. Myths and misconceptions surrounded the surrenders of the Civil War. There is no single, final surrender or treaty. As the Confederacy collapsed, its armies surrendered one by one, all under different circumstances. These will be explored in detail.

The Battle of New Market was one of the last major Confederate victories in the Shenandoah Valley and was the only instance in America history where a student body – the VMI (Virginia Military Institute) Corps of Cadets – participated in a pitched battle. Listen about the battle and not just the legend.

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The Weldon Railroad was one of the last important supply lines for Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army besieged around Richmond and Petersburg during the last winter of the Civil War. In December 1864, Union commanders US Grant and George Meade ordered a massive raid of over 20,000 men to destroy the railroad all the way to the North Carolina border. What began as a straightforward military strike by troops (including this region’s 83rd Pa.Volunteers), deteriorated into a vicious foray against the local civilian population, fueled by copious amounts of confiscated whiskey. This was followed by brutal retaliatory murders of isolated Union stragglers. The malicious cycle then escalated into the burning of wide swaths of civilian homes and the wanton destruction of foodstuffs. It was war at its most brutal level. Historian George Deutsch will explore this little-known action, often from the point of view of local Erie soldiers who participated in the raid.