In September 1862, Cincinnati was under assault from an enemy whose goal was to pillage and burn the city, leaving destruction and fear in their wake. The assault was a major event that helped define the resolve of the citizens living in the Tristate region. Over 60,000 volunteers poured into the hills of Northern Kentucky to stop the Confederate onslaught that ripped through Kentucky virtually unchallenged, before turning north to threaten the Queen City. This is their story of leadership, patriotism, selflessness and courage.

A hard look at the element itself--water for life, water as an agent of infection, water in military planning, etc. The "etc." is why water can be considered "the forgotten element."

This Danville, Va., native is the author or editor of more than 20 books that include such award-winning studies as Civil War! America Becomes One Nation, General A.P. Hill, and Soldiers Blue and Gray. His massive biography of Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson won eight national awards and was used as the base for the Ted Turner/Warner Bros. mega-movie, “Gods and Generals”. His latest book is After the Civil War: The Heroes, Villains, Soldiers, and Civilians Who Changed America. The recipient of every major award given in the Civil War field, and a lecturer of national acclaim, Dr. Robertson is probably more in demand as a speaker before Civil War groups than anyone else in the field.

Union Col. Frank Wolford was a celebrated Civil War cavalier and rival of Confederate raider John Hunt Morgan. Wolford, who formed the 1st Ky Cavalry, took part in more than 300 battles and skirmishes, during which he was wounded seven times. In addition to detailing Wolford's military exploits, Blair will detail Wolford's political career including his staunch opposition with President Abraham Lincoln over the use of black soldiers in the Union forces. Ronald Blair is Frank Wolford's great-great-nephew.

In an effort to treat the enormous number of soldiers wounded during the Civil War, rapid advancements were made in American medicine. This presentation will focus on the background, conditions, and personnel that led to these advancements. Dr. D’Onofrio will present this talk in the guise of Ohio Civil War Surgeon General, Robert Nelson Barr, in period uniform. His talk will be reflection of Dr. Barr's thoughts a few months after the Civil War ended.  Peter D'Onofrio is the president of The Society of Civil War Surgeons, the largest non-profit, international, educational organization dedicated to the study and preservation of Civil War era medicine and surgery.

Daniel Harvey Hill and Alexander McD. McCook had their Civil War careers badly tarnished because of their performance at the September 20, 1863 Battle of Chickamauga. McCook, commander the Union XX Corps, was routed off the battlefield, and Confederate corps commander Hill had such a falling out with army commander Braxton Bragg, that Bragg relieved Hill of command a month later. Nevertheless, both men had long and distinguished careers after the war's end. Hill became a writer, editor, and educator and McCook a professional soldier. This talk explores each man's role in the epic battle of Chickamauga and the fascinating story of their postwar lives.