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