Looking for a Civil War event—virtual or in person—to attend in September? Below are some very good options to keep you busy.
Book Talk with Neil P. Chatelain: Defending the Arteries of Rebellion
Thursday, October 8, 6:30 – 8 p.m. EDT
The American Civil War Museum virtual event
In an effort to maintain control of the Mississippi, the southern war machine introduced numerous innovations and alternate defenses. Discover the lengths to which the Confederacy went to defend its arteries of rebellion. Neil P. Chatelain, LoneStar College-North Harris, will examine war innovations and alternative defenses that the Confederacy adopted to defend its rebellion. These include the Confederacy’s first operational ironclad, the successful use of underwater torpedoes, widespread use of army-navy joint operations, and the employment of extensive river obstructions.
Free but donations recommended.
For more information and registration: acwm.org/event/book-talk-with-neil-p-chatelain-defending-the-arteries-of-rebellion/
Raphael Semmes and CSS Sumter
Friday, October 9, 12 p.m. EDT
The Mariners’ Museum and Park virtual event
John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center, will examine the origins of CSS Sumter under the leadership of Commander Raphael Semmes. CSS Sumter was converted from the steamer Habana into a cruiser that ran past the blockader USS Brooklyn and then embarked on a six-month cruise that resulted in the capture of 18 northern merchant ships. Needing repairs, Sumter went to Gibraltar for servicing, where it was trapped by Union gunboats. Semmes sold Sumter and traveled to London where he would soon be named commander of CSS Alabamasteamer.
Free.
Registration: marinersmuseum.org/civil-war-lectures/
For more information: MarinersMuseum.org/Virtual or 757-596-2222
“The Saddest Words: William Faulkner’s Civil War”
Thursday, October 15, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. EDT
Civil War Institute Facebook Page
In a new virtual program, Pete Carmichael and Ashley Whitehead Luskey will interview author Michael Gorra, Smith College, about his new book, The Saddest Words: William Faulkner’s Civil War, which was published in August by Liveright. The interview will also later be uploaded to YouTube. Free.
For more information: gettysburg.edu/civil-war-institute or facebook.com/CivilWarInstitute/
Battle of Galveston
Friday, October 23, 12 p.m. EDT
The Mariners’ Museum and Park virtual event
John V. Quarstein examines the Battle of Galveston. When Major General John Bankhead Magruder assumed command of the District of Texas, he immediately sought to recapture Galveston. Magruder planned to use two cottonclads against six federal gunboats while his troops pressed the Union soldiers back onto Kurtz’s Wharf. Somehow, CSS Bayou City was able to capture USS Harriet Lane, and USS Westfield was destroyed by its own crew. The rest of the Union forces either escaped or surrendered. Galveston was liberated on January 1, 1863, and would remain under Confederate control for the rest of the war.
Free.
Registration: marinersmuseum.org/civil-war-lectures/
For more information: MarinersMuseum.org/Virtual or 757-596-2222
“The Enduring Civil War: Reflections on the Great American Crisis”
Thursday, October 29, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. EDT
Civil War Institute Facebook Page
Pete Carmichael and Ashley Whitehead Luskey will interview historian Gary Gallagher about his new book, The Enduring Civil War: Reflections on the Great American Crisis, which was published in September by LSU Press. The interview will also later be uploaded to YouTube. Free.
For more information: gettysburg.edu/civil-war-institute or https://www.facebook.com/CivilWarInstitute/
Ball’s Bluff Battle Anniversary
Ball’s Bluff Sketch
Saturday, October 24, 2020, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ball’s Bluff Battlefield
Join the Friends of Ball’s Bluff for a day of events commemorating the 159th Anniversary of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff. Activities will include Ball’s Bluff battlefield tours, reenactor skirmishes, Civil War music, a canon firing demonstration, and a remembrance ceremony near the cemetery. For more information: 703-737-7800 or novaparks.com/parks/balls-bluff-battlefield-regional-park Save the date: 
Curator Conversations—Make Way for Liberty: A Conversation about Wisconsin African Americans in the Civil War
Tuesday, November 10, 8 p.m. EST
Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation and Wisconsin Historical Society Press virtual event
Join us for a special Curator Conversation: Make Way for Liberty—A Conversation about Wisconsin African Americans in the Civil War with Make Way for Liberty author Jeffrey Kannel and Wisconsin Veteran Museum staff Kevin Hampton, curator of history, Christopher Kolakowski, museum director, and museum board member Nathaniel T. Millsap Jr., USN Ret. Free.
Registration: eventbrite.com/e/
