CWRT Congress Sustainability Conference Was a Success

By Professor Earnest Veritas · Originally published December 2023 · pp. 22–23

Moderator Dr. John Bamberl with Andrew Mizsak, and Mike Movis.

CWRT Congress Sustainability Conference Was a Success Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – August 26-27, 2023

By Professor Earnest Veritas Special Correspondent to – Western Theater –

CWRT Congress president Mike Movis and Curt Fields who portrays U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant.

For two days in late August, substantial forces came together in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside around Gettysburg in a struggle that was to have serious outcomes. No, it wasn’t a struggle between warring forces, but rather, a struggle between friends from coast to coast who want to ensure that the study of the Civil War continues far into the future. The Civil War Round Table Congress hosted the conference at Gettysburg to bring together the leaders of Round Tables around the country to talk with each other about how to maintain and grow Round Tables in existence and how to develop and nurture new groups. Indeed, the CWRT Congress mission statement embodies the intent of the conference: “To inspire Civil War Round Table Leaders to adapt, adopt and maintain strategies for sustainability.”

Steven Magnusen, Stephen Smith, Bill Jayne, and Steve Pettyjohn.

A strong reason to attend the conference is also given in a CWRT Congress information card in answering why attend the CWRT Congress? “The market for new members has changed. Opportunities abound for leaders with the vision and attitude needed to succeed. The CWRT Congress can provide the training, guidance and inspiration to do these things and more.” The event opened Friday evening, August 25, in the historic Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center. Chris Mackowski had the honor of beginning the event with his talk “What if ‘Stonewall’ Jackson had been at Gettysburg?” His points and approach about that great ‘What if?’ were novel and compelling. If he didn’t lay to rest the question for listeners, he certainly gave everybody a great deal to think about and perhaps adjust their perspective. Following Chris’s talk, attendees were free to walk about the museum and see what treasures were there. Tours were given in the famous cupola, and all who wanted could stand where Buford stood and see the view he saw! Saturday, August 26, was the work day held in the new Adams County Historical Society building. The setting and accommodations were most comfortable and conducive to audience involvement and participation. The schedule began at 7 a.m. and continued through 5 p.m. with four panels examining the large questions of:

Award presentation. On the right is Mike Movis with CWRT Congress award.

Emerging from the Pandemic: moderated by Carol VanOrnum and panel participants: Steve Magnusen, Steven Smith, Steve Pettyjohn, and Bill Jayne. Community Partnerships: The Hidden Value: moderated by Mike Movius (CWRT Founder and President) and panel participants Peter Miele, Scott Mingus, Kim Brace, and Blake Myers The Sustainability Challenge

Ashley Luskey, Jonathan Noyalas, and Drew Gruber.

Panel: moderated by Dr. John Bamberl and panel participants Andrew Mizsak, Mike Movius, and Carol VanOrnum Target Marketing Younger Members: moderated by Mike Movius and panel participants Ashley Luskey, Johathan Noyalas, and Drew Gruber Ideas flowed, and the discussion was lively. Attendees emphasized that they all had the same problems with keeping members and attracting new people. However, everyone seemed satisfied at the end of the day with two factors in mind: 1) Our problems are not unique, and 2) We are not alone. The networking factor had a substantial impact on the attendees with much exchanging of business cards and contact information. The evening wrap-up program was held in the new Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. Tours of the Cyclorama were very well received indeed. The 8th Regimental Band, known as “The Green Machine” from George Mason University, played period music during the dinner. After the dinner, Wayne Motts, President and CEO of the Gettysburg Foundation, welcomed the group and set the tone for the evening. Mike Movius presented awards recognizing the efforts of groups and members who have performed outstanding service to the CWRT Congress and history. The conference attendance made a strong statement, with 87 attendees who represented 47 individual CWRT’s across the country. Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., were represented.

Award presentation. On the right is Mike Movis with CWRT Congress

It was a successful meeting, indeed. Professor Veritas would like to thank Mike Movius, Founder and President of the CWRT Congress for his assistance in preparing this article. For further information about the CWRT Congress, contact Mike Movius at mike@ cwrtcongress.org “Simply put: tell the simple truth, simply.” Professor E. Veritas Chris Mackowski.

The 8th Regimental Band, known as “The Green Machine.”