News Briefs

News Briefs — March 2016

Originally published March 2016 · pp. 20–22

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Civil War Round Table Inc. invites entries for its 21st annual Laney Book Prize for a book published in 2015. The $2,000 prize for distinguished scholarship and writing on Civil War military or political history honors Daniel M. and Marilyn W. Laney for their efforts to protect Civil War battlefields. The winning author must be able to appear as a guest speaker to receive the prize at the round table’s June 23 meeting. The chosen book will be announced by May on the group’s website, www.austincivilwar.org/laney.htm. Submission deadline is March 31. Four copies of each book should be sent to: Austin CWRT Laney Prize Committee, c/o Michael Watkins, 12212 Brigadoon Lane #163, Austin TX 78727. For information call 512970-5548.

3 Guides Pass Away

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Three longtime Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides members died recently. The association pays tribute to them at gettysburgtourguides.org. Charles W. Hathaway, Badge 41, died on Jan. 14 after a long illness at age 88. George C. Symons, Badge 104, died of cancer on Jan. 3 at age 78. James L. Martin, Badge 140, who was described as the “consummate bus guide,” died unexpectedly at age 61 on Jan. 29.

Lecture Proposals

FREDERICK, Md. — The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is accepting lecture proposals for its 24th annual Conference on Civil War Medicine until May 1. The Sept. 30-Oct. 2 conference will be held in Frederick. For details about submission requirements contact Joanna Jennings, 301-695-1864, ext. 1002 or [email protected]. General museum information is at www.cvilwarmed.org

CSS Neuse Exhibit

KINSTON, N.C. — The new “Treasures from the Vault” exhibit at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center is open through June. It features items from the museum’s collection that have not been shown before. Two recently donated pieces of bulkhead recovered from the CSS Neuse in the 1960s and a shipping crate for 20 never-issued Model 1842 U.S. muskets are displayed. The guns were sold in the 1950s, so a reproduction musket is shown. The CSS Neuse is the only remaining commissioned Confederate ironclad above water. The Confederate Navy launched it in an attempt to gain control of the lower Neuse River and New Bern, N.C., then destroyed the vessel to keep it out of Union hands. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9-5. Adult admission is $5, seniors and active military $4, ages 3-12 is $3. For information, call 252-526-9600.

Lincoln Symposium

WASHINGTON — The Abraham Lincoln Institute and Ford’s Theatre Society will host a free symposium focused on the life, career and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on March 19 from 9-5 at Ford’s Theatre.

Speakers will be historians Sidney Blumenthal, Thomas L. Carson, Louis P. Masur, Stacy Pratt McDermott and Edna Greene Medford. Questions and book singings will follow the talks. Members of the host groups may reserve seats. Public tickets will be available on a first-come basis the day of the event. The schedule is at www.fords.org

Harrisburg Exhibit

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The National Civil War Museum is showing the “Tell Mother I’ve Been Good: Vice & Virtue in the Civil War” exhibit through Dec. 31. The moral challenges faced by men in the ranks are illustrated through stories, images and artifacts. The vices of drinking, gambling and fraternization were among the moral transgressions that tempted men and women during the war. For information about this and other museum programs call

REPUBLIC, Mo. — Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield hosted a volunteer recruitment fair as part of its preparation for the busy spring and summer season and the National Park Service’s (NPS) 100th anniversary. Prospective volunteers age 16 and older saw a video about the NPS Volunteer in Parks program, visited exhibition tables and met staff and volunteers who told about volunteer positions and their experiences. Wilson’s Creek is the site of the first major battle of the Civil War in the West, a Confederate victory, on Aug. 10, 1861.

Great Books Event

LITCHFIELD, Conn. — “Making Sense of the Civil War” is the theme of the April 8-10 New England Great Books Spring Institute. It will be held at the Wisdom House in Litchfield. Four books will be discussed during the event. The $360 registration includes rooms, meals and copies of the books. Information is at http://greatbooksdiscussionprograms.org/ negbspringretreat/

Monocacy Hours

FREDERICK, Md. — Monocacy National Battlefield will change visitor center hours to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. effective Feb. 15 in order to better serve visitors during peak hours and to be consistent with surrounding national parks. For park information visit www.nps.gov/mono or Facebook.

FREDERICK, Md. — Monocacy National Battlefield has released its schedule of special events for the year. They include National Park Service Centennial programs; Park Day, National Park Week and National Public Lands Day events; hikes, canoe/kayak trips on the Monocacy River, volunteering and living histories. For more information call 301662-3515 or visit www.nps.gov/mono and Facebook.

Gettysburg Artists

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Eight month-long artist residencies at Gettysburg National Military Park will run from March through early November.

The non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation is working again with the park and the Gettysburg Foundation to broaden its Artist-inResidence program which started last year. It coincides with this year’s National Park Service Centennial. The program’s aim is for the park to connect with a new generation in new ways as artists interpret the park and meet and engage visitors. Artists working in any medium or performance approach are invited to apply. A $1,000 stipend is available Information about the program and applications can be found at www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org

WASHINGTON — The Jan. 11 issue of The InTowner (http://intowner.com) ran a detailed “What Once Was” feature, “Washington’s Lincoln: The First Monument to the Martyred President” with many period illustrations. It told the story of the first Lincoln Monument, the one unveiled on April 14, 1868, the third anniversary of the Lincoln assassination. The Washington City Council formed the Lincoln National Monument Association shortly after Lincoln’s death. Because of many local efforts to honor Lincoln, national fundraising was not successful and the funds came from Washingtonians. An 1867 monument association incorporated by Congress also had little fundraising success. The 1868 sculpture of Lincoln was created by Lot Flannery whose monument to Washington Arsenal explosion victims is in Congressional Cemetery. It was the city’s first presidential monument and sat in front of City Hall at the intersection of what was Louisiana Avenue and 4th Street NW. President Andrew Johnson unveiled the monument. As what became Old City Hall was renovated and expanded over the years the statue was moved out of the intersection. In 1920 it was put in storage. Gen. Nelson Miles was among those who protested in the press. The return of the monument to its original site was reported in the Nov. 2 Star. The National Mall Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1922.

Memorial Hall News

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Memorial Hall Foundation celebrated Confederate Memorial Hall Museum’s 125th anniversary with a Bobby Horton concert in January. The Foundation’s winter newsletter has an extensive article by Joseph A. Ricci about a guidon captured during the Port Hudson Campaign in June 1863 from the 14th New York Metropolitan Cavalry. It was recently given to the museum and conserved. Descendants of Capt. Alcides Bouanchaud of the Point Coupee Artillery funded restoration of the unit’s flag and gathered at the museum for an unveiling. They also loaned a captured Union sword for temporary display. Dr. Albin Steiner, a descendant of Austin’s Battalion member John Dolan, whose uniform jacket is in the museum’s collection, donated a daguerreotype and Dolan’s UCV medals. The jacket is notable for the battles Dolan inscribed on the lining so that they were not lost to history.

– Briefs of Civil War News Interest – Austin Book Award

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. — Edward G. Longacre was awarded the 2014 Dr. James I. Robertson Jr. Literary Prize for Confederate History by the Robert E. Lee Civil War Library & Research Center of Central New Jersey. The University of Oklahoma Press published the award-winning book, The Early Morning of War: Bull Run, 1861. The prize committee called it one of the finest battle studies in recent years, punctuated with critical analysis and said it may very well be the definitive study to date on the Civil War’s first major battle. The committee noted the narrative is well detailed yet clearly and concisely written supported by an exhaustive amount of research. One member stated that he could not put the book down. The prize was established in 2000 to honor Robertson for his outstanding contributions and teaching in the field of Civil War and Confederate history. He is Alumni Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus at Virginia Tech.

N.C. Lectures

DURHAM, N.C. — Bennett Place State Historic Site will host a March lecture series about the battles that occurred in North Carolina in the final months of the Civil War. Scheduled are: March 5, Mark Smith, the Battle of Wise’s Fork March 12, Wade Sokolosky, the Battle of Averasboro March 19, Mark Bradley, the Battle of Bentonville March 26, Ernie Dollar, troop movements of both armies following the last battle leading up to the war’s largest surrender at Bennett Place in April 1865. Lectures begin at 1 p.m. followed by meet and greet sessions with the authors. The charge is $5. For more information, call 919-383-4345 or e-mail [email protected]

Gettysburg Deputy

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Tom Forsyth began duties of Deputy Superintendent for Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site on Jan. 24. The position manages park operations, planning, development, land acquisition, budget, programming and program evaluation. He also works with Supt. Ed W. Clark to manage the partnership with the Gettysburg Foundation and other park associates. The parks have a combined budget of about $8 million and 114 permanent and seasonal employees. Forsyth was chief of the Division of Administration for Gettysburg and Eisenhower parks since May 2014 and earlier served at the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C.

Virginia Journal

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Central Virginia Battlefields Trust has published Vol. 14 of its Journal. Members at and above the active $135 level will receive it. Others may buy it at www.cvbt.org The content includes introductory notes and four articles about the Fredericksburg region by Jeffrey D. Stocker, Erik F. Nelson and Eric J. Mink.

Franklin Donations

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Filmmaker Robert Lee Hodge gave Franklin’s Charge preservation group a $1,500 donation at the Franklin Theater where his award-winning documentary, “The Battle of Franklin,” has been shown multiple times. Save the Franklin Battlefield (STFB) received $100 and a citation for the annual Color Bearer Award for 2015 from the 20th Maine, Co. F, of Snoqualmie, Wash. The STFB newsletter reported the donations, noting that four Co. F members took part in Franklin 150th battle anniversary events and were among the last to see the Domino’s Pizza shop before it was demolished and removed from its battleground site.

Mariners’ News

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Mariners’ Museum and Park annual Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend is March 5-6. The 15th annual event will feature lectures by historians Harold Holzer and John V. Quarstein, films, President Lincoln, and special programs. The weekend will include a new Friday night Sip & Sculpt, where guests can enjoy libations while creating iron-cast molds that will be transformed into iron-casting art during weekend iron-pour demonstrations. A Civil War-themed beard competition and tasting of 19th century dishes prepared by local restaurants are also scheduled. For a fee guests can visit behind the scenes of the USS Monitor Center Wet Lab. A fully functioning replica of the Monitor’s Worthington steam pump will be unveiled Sunday. In other news, the museum is hosting a Spring Lecture Series featuring maritime experts and authors. On April 28 the crew of Hokule’a, a Polynesian doublehulled canoe voyaging around the world, will speak. Other museum programs include Explorers Theater 3D movies throughout the year, the Mariners’ Craft Beer Festival on May 1, summer Thursdays by the Lake concerts and a Sept. 24 Gallery Crawl exhibit and themed food event. The museum reports that more than 200,000 people visited last year and memberships increased 23 percent. Information is at MarinersMuseum. org and on Facebook or call 757596-2222.

New Zealand Burial

The January/February issue of The Bugle 59, Australian International newsletter of the American Civil War Round Table Queensland, carries an article about Capt. Sydney Herbert Davies [Davis], who served in Gen. Henry H. Walker’s Brigade, Heth’s Division, Army of Northern Virginia. He was wounded at Gettysburg and was paroled at Appomattox. The round table recently learned Davies was buried in New Zealand in 1915. A native of England, he was in the Royal Navy during the Crimean War before the U.S. Civil War and then in the New Zealand Armed Constabulary during that country’s wars with Maori. The newsletter also has an illustrated article about black Confederates. For more information contact the editor at [email protected] or visit www.acwrtq.net/home.php

Preservation Ball

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The 13th Annual Civil War Preservation Ball will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Pennsylvania Capitol Rotunda on April 2. All profits from the ball, which has raised more than $83,000, will go to the Gettysburg Monument Project’s Endowment Trust Fund. The 20-member Philadelphia Brigade Band directed by Richard Cummines will provide the music. The Victorian Dance Ensemble, performing troupe of the Civil War Dance Foundation, will lead the dancing and assist guests. For information about its free dance classes visit www.CivilWarDance.org Period attire is suggested. Dance experience is not required. Those unable to attend the ball can contribute to the monument fund by sending a check to Preservation Ball, 2 Westminster Blvd., Camp Hill, PA 17011.

Davis Performance

RICHMOND, Ky. — The Battle of Richmond Association and the Madison County Civil War Roundtable will present the Kentucky Chautauqua’s “Jefferson Davis: On Dark and Bloody Ground” at 2:30 p.m. on March 20 at Mt. Zion Christian Church, Richmond. Actor Kevin Hardesty of Lexington will portray Davis. A Kentucky native, he served the United States with distinction in two wars, in both chambers of Congress, and as Secretary of War. Davis helped create the Confederacy, of which he was president, and after the war, though disgraced, he continued the fight for Southern dignity, personal vindication and national redemption. The free event will be followed by refreshments. For information call the Battle of Richmond Association at 859-248-1974, or the Battle of Richmond Visitors Center at 859624-0013.

Fort Pulaski News

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Fort Pulaski National Monument has scheduled special Signature Events this year as it celebrates the National Park Service 100th anniversary. The events include April 9-10 Siege Weekend, April 16 Junior Ranger Day, Aug. 25 Founder’s Day, Oct. 21-22 From Drowning to Dysentery: A Deadly look at Fort Pulaski, Nov. 12-13 Veterans Day Weekend Living History, Nov. 26 Post Thanksgiving Field Day and Dec. 16-17 Candle Lantern Tours. The park will offer free admission on 18 days this year. The Centennial Series of special programs the third Sunday of each month is designed to inspire lifelong love of the outdoors and an active lifestyle. Hikes, bike tours, fishing, kayaking, oystering and walks are planned. For more information call 912786-5787, visit www.nps.gov/fopu or check various social media.

Hand Stolen

KANKAKEE, Ill. — At presstime the plaster study of one of Abraham Lincoln’s hands by sculptor George Grey Barnard was still missing. The Kankakee County Museum said the hand, which was displayed for more than 25 years, disappeared in early December. The police put photos and a description on Facebook and the local newspaper asked for the hand’s return, to no avail.

Monocacy Events

Hope Painting Donated

MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont Civil War historian Howard Coffin presented James Hope’s “The Second Vermont Regiment at Bull Run” painting to the Vermont State House’s Cedar Creek Room in January. Hope commanded the 2nd Vermont, Co. B, Castleton Company, at First Bull Run. In 2011 the painting was on loan at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Hope also did Battle of Antietam paintings which are at the Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center.

Ellwood Manor News

LOCUST CREEK, Va. — The Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, who maintain and interpret Ellwood Manor at Wilderness Battlefield, reported highlights from 2015. Forty-two guides were trained to give house and grounds tours. Five house guides were additionally trained and gave walking tours of the Wilderness Crossing Trail. The site hosted 4,557 visitors, received $4,316 in donations, and put on 15 special events and six special tours. The group’s major project for the past two years has been restoring the 1900s Brooder Barn at Ellwood. Thanks to many volunteer work hours, two Eagle Scout projects and some $50,000, the project is almost done. For information go to www/fowb.org

Gettysburg 100th Plans

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site are joining 407 other National park Service sites in hosting special programs this year to celebrate the service’s 100th birthday. The anniversary theme is Find Your Park – a public awareness and education campaign celebrating the centennial and setting the stage for a new century of service. Birthday events include a “Come Walk with Me” Community Wellness event, Gettysburg BioBlitz for grade schoolers, The Gettysburg/ Appomattox Centennial Student Exchange Program, Centennial Classroom Rangers and Every Kid in a Park for fourth graders. Thanks to special Centennial funds for legacy projects, the park is working on a comprehensive community trails plan and a project to address over-use at Little Round Top. Information is at www.nps.gov/gett and www.nps.gov

Letterman Tea Service

FREDERICK, Md. — Director of Research Terry Reimer reported in Surgeon’s Call magazine that the National Museum of Civil War Medicine was given a tea service owned by Dr. Jonathan Letterman. Medical officers in the Army of the Potomac presented the service to Medical Director Letterman in honor of his Oct. 15, 1863, marriage to Mary Diggs Lee, whom he met after the Battle of Antietam. The Frederick newspaper reported at the time that the “splendid service of silver” cost about $2,000. A descendant of Letterman’s sister donated the service. He learned about the museum from friends who saw a Letterman desk on display at the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, which the National Museum operates.

Stones River 153rd

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Stones River National Battlefield commemorated the 153rd anniversary of the Dec. 31, 1862, to Jan. 2, 1863, Battle of Stones River with special programs. According to Park Ranger Jim Lewis, the battle was one of the war’s bloodiest and most significant battles. “The slim Union victory bolstered Northern morale, supported the changing Union war policy heralded by the Emancipation Proclamation, and set the stage for future campaigns through the Confederate heartland,” he said. The park hosted talks and walks, some at the exact time of battle action, musket and cannon firing demonstrations, and U.S. Christian and Sanitary Commissions living history. Park information is at www.nps.gov/stri