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November 2019
Scott Mingus, Sr., York, PA: William “Extra Billy” Smith
William “Extra Billy” Smith, the oldest and one of the most controversial Confederate generals on the field at Gettysburg, was also one of the most colorful and charismatic characters of the Civil War and the antebellum Old South. Known nationally as “Extra Billy” because of his prewar penchant for finding loopholes in government postal contracts to gain extra money for his stagecoach lines, Smith served as Virginia’s governor during both the War with Mexico and the Civil War, served five terms in the U.S. Congress, and was one of Virginia’s leading spokesmen for slavery and States’ Rights. Extra Billy’s extra-long speeches and wry sense of humor were legendary among his peers. A lawyer during the heady Gold Rush days, Smith made a fortune in California and, like his income earned from stagecoaches, quickly lost it.
Find out more »January 2020
Chris Burns, Cincinnati: US Grant and His Commitment to Equality
Grant's character, along with his treatment of African-Americans, American-Indians and Jews, matured from first-hand experience during the Civil War, as well as his Presidency. Grant's support and leadership in civil rights, was decades ahead of his time. He stood up for their rights, despite widespread opposition from the south and the American public. Their determination, coupled with his support, unleashed opportunities they had never experienced.
Find out more »February 2020
Christina Hartlieb, Cincinnati: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Path to Anti-Slavery Advocate
Harriet Beecher Stowe rose to fame in the 1850s as an advocate for abolition and an ally to African Americans. By living in Cincinnati for 18 years, Stowe was able to write the anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The book demonstrated the realities of slavery and served as a beacon for changing public opinion in the North. The story will include a history of the Beecher families Cincinnati house and the ways in which it has continued Stowe’s legacy.
Find out more »April 2020
Eric Wittenberg, Central Ohio CWRT: Second Winchester
The Second Battle of Winchester was critical to the success of the 1863 Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania. In three days of fighting, Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell’s Second Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, destroyed the command of Maj. Gen. Robert H. Milroy, who had disobeyed his orders to abandon the town and withdraw his troops. Ewell performed brilliantly during this battle, leaving the Confederate authorities to have high expectations of him. This talk will discuss the often-overlooked Second Battle of Winchester.
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