January 2023 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

January 10, 2023

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Bert Stevenson

We start out the New Year with a lecture about the Grand Army of the Republic and the Civil War Pension System from Round Table member Bert Stevenson.

Bert will discuss the simultaneous rise and fall of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and the Civil War Pension System. The GAR was a fraternal organization and the pension was a federal program. They both rose in power and influence just after the war ended. Both declined slowly as the veterans, their wives and children passed away. The process of joining the GAR, creating a local post, political influence are discussed with examples. The process of claiming a pension, appealing a negative decision, why the system lasted so long are illustrated with examples. Some of the examples are humorous and some are sad.

G. Bert Stevenson was born and raised in Shavertown; PA. He graduated from Marshall University, Huntington WV as a physicist and mathematician. Mr. Stevenson worked for the federal government for over 40 years; in the Army and as civilian doing research and development (bomb disposal, counter terrorism; counter narcotics). He has resided in Southern Maryland since 1974.

Mr. Stevenson is a member Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table, the Wyoming Valley Civil War Roundtable, and the Sons of Union Veterans. Because a large number of his relatives served in the Civil War, he has specific interest in several units: 5^th NY Cav; 9^th PA Cav (aka 92^nd PA Vol.); 8^th PA Vol Inf Rgmt (3 months); 112^th NY Vol. Inf. Rgmt; 143^rd PA Vol Inf Rgmt; 53^rd PA Vol Reserves; 3^rd Rgmt. PA Heavy Artillery (aka 152^nd PA Vol.) and 22^nd WI Vol Inf Rgmt.

November 8, 2022August 29, 2022

December 2022 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

December 13, 2022

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Tom Belote

Join us this evening, as we welcome Round table member Tom Belote and his presentation, “Rebels on the Rio Grande: The Confederate Campaign of New Mexico 1861-1862″.

While the Civil War raged back east, a Confederate campaign to drive the Yankees from the New Mexico Territory, capture the silver and lead mines of Colorado, and the gold mines and strategic ports of California was well underway. Conceived in the mind of Gen Henry Sibley, this campaign had the aim to extend the Confederacy from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The Confederate advance up the Rio Grande valley achieved some initial successes so that by early 1862, the Stars & Bars were floating over Mesilla, Tucson, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe, and the rebels were on the move to capture the new Territory of Colorado. However, at Glorieta Pass, the Confederate advance was stymied due to a loss of its logistics train. The campaign ultimately ended in a humiliating Confederate retreat. Often called “The Gettysburg of the West,” this campaign has been largely relegate to historical obscurity but needs to be told. The objectives, leadership, intelligence, and logistics of the campaign will be discussed.

Tom Belote is a 30-year veteran of the US Army, retiring as a Colonel. He is a 1977 ROTC graduate of Virginia Tech with a BS in Agronomy and also holds a MS in International Relations from Campbell University. He served as an Air Defense Artillery, Foreign Area, Psychological Operations, and Civil Affairs officer in the United States, West Germany, and Cameroon, Africa. As a Department of Defense civilian, Tom served as an Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC and as a Military Liaison Officer with the Joint Warfare Analysis Center in Dahlgren, VA where he supported strategic planning at the US Central Command in Tampa, FL; the European Command in Stuttgart, Germany; and the Indo-Pacific Command in Honolulu, HI. Tom volunteers at The National Museum of the US Army at Ft Belvoir, VA and at the Thomas Stone National Historic Site in Charles County. Tom is also a Revolutionary War living history re-enactor. He and his wife Mary have three children and three grandchildren.

Attendance is free, but membership is encouraged. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org.

October 11, 2022September 1, 2022

November 2022 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

November 8, 2022

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Chris Bryan

The II Corps, Army of Virginia suffered a bloody and demoralizing defeat at the Battle of Cedar Mountain on August 9th, 1862, after initial success where it nearly defeated Stonewall Jackson’s command. This talk will describe the fighting at Cedar Mountain in detail and will also briefly describe the aftermath for the II Corps that summer, which culminated in conspicuous success at Antietam.

Chris Bryan is a native of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in History, he served as a naval aviator for eight years. He has since worked as a project manager, during which time he earned an M.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland and a Masters in Historic Preservation from the University of Maryland, College Park where his studies focused on architectural investigations of antebellum domestic and agricultural outbuildings in the Chesapeake Bay region. He has remained active with historic preservation and architectural investigations following graduation. Chris Bryan lives in Southern Maryland with his wife and two kids.

We eagerly anticipate your attendance as we all learn a bit more about a battle that some classify as the final battle of the Peninsula Campaign, while others refer to it as the initial battle of Second Manassas. Attendance is free, but membership is encouraged. Please contact is with any questions at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org!

September 13, 2022August 29, 2022

October 2022 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

October 11, 2022

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Eddie Roberts

Eddie Roberts and his Footsteps presentations are a unique Civil War learning experience. Not just facts, figures, and dates; Eddie’s personable style livens up Civil War history by giving first-person expression to the feelings, passions and meanings of the period. Each presentation is on-of-a-kind and by encouraging audience involvement, Eddie weaves a compelling story of two of his Civil War ancestors. But it’s not all serious, as Eddie’s style emphasizes the human side of the conflict with insightful anecdotes that hep characterize the social mores, conventions and humor of the times. Understandably proud of his heritage and ever mindful of the sacrifices made by both sides for duty, honor and country; Mr. Roberts drives home the point that now, just as in the past, we should be grateful for the freedoms won at such high cost and not fail to thank all our veterans for their service.

While both of Mr. Robert’s great-grandfathers were from Southern States, they couldn’t have been more different, with one staunchly Union by conviction and the other fighting for the Confederacy according to his duty to home and state. On the Union side, Eddie portrays Infantry Private Jacob Presley, a 28 year-old farmer from the mountains of Eastern Tennessee with a passionate loyalty to the preservation of the nation. Jacob fought and was wounded in a number of actions and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country at Resaca, Georgia in 1864 while serving with Sherman’s army during the Atlanta campaign.

In contrast, Mr’ Robert’s Confederate relative, William Paul Roberts of Gates County, North Carolina, enlisted at the age of 19, and demonstrated such remarkable tactical skill and leadership ability that he rapidly advanced from a Private to the rank of Brigadier General. William served throughout the entire war. and participated in virtually every major battle in the East and was at the surrender at Appomattox. By the end of the war, as at age 23, he was the youngest General officer in the Confederacy. Join us tonight, as we meet the two participants in a program that promised to be different from anything we have experienced before at the Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table.

Eddie Roberts has more than 30 years of experience as a Civil War re-enactor of both Union and Confederate forces. A U.S. Army Veteran, Mr. Roberts served in Vietnam and later supported military logistics and transportation operations. An expert in transportation safety matters, he served the U.S. Navy and private industry as a safety officer, consultant and trainer. Mr. Roberts has a keen interest in athletics and has coached extensively in the Washington DC Metro area, most recently at the College of Southern Maryland where he was a member of the coaching staff for many years.

History, particularly the Civil War era, has been a primary interest of Mr. Roberts, and to that end, he currently serves as the Vice President of the Dr. Samuel Mudd Society, Inc. and led the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War George G. Meade Camp No. 5 as Commander for eight consecutive terms. Mr. Roberts is frequently sought after to undertake specialized historic research, create exhibits and lead presentations on Civil War history at the Dr. Mudd Museum, at schools and public events. Responding to the needs of the Boy Scouts of America, Mr. Roberts developed and marshaled the fictional Battle of Zekiah Swamp at the Dr. Mudd Farm. In 2014, the battle drew more than 800 scouts, re-enactors and supporting personnel culminating in
an unforgettable and fun educational experience for all present. Mr. Robert’s leadership and tireless efforts have given thousands of people, both youth and adults, a unique and memorable insight into experiencing first-hand what it was like to soldier in the 1860s.

Most recently recognized by the Sons of Union Veterans at their 2015 Na-
tional Encampment, Mr. Roberts received a meritorious service award for his leadership in planning, organizing, and managing events at the Dr. Mudd Farm in observance of the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Roberts resides in Ellicott City with his wife Angie.

Attendance is free, but membership is encouraged. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org

August 15, 2022August 15, 2022

September 2022 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

September 13, 2022

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Michael J. Mazzeo

Rescheduled from January 2022 the Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table welcome Mike Mazzeo from the Friends of Rich Hill as he speaks to us about the Past, Present and Future of Historic Rich Hill.

Located not too far from our meeting location, Historic Rich Hill was built in 1729 by Dr. Gustavus Brown, but played a prominent role during the era of the Civil War. From Samuel Cox to Thomas Jones, Rich Hill took its place in history following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. This presentation will include the history of Rich Hill with a focus on the role Samuel Cox and Thomas Jones played in hiding John Wilkes Booth in April 1865, its aftermath, and the current rehabilitation of this historic site.

Michael J. Mazzeo, Jr. is a retired History Teacher from Charles County Public Schools.

He holds an Associate of Arts Degree from the College of Southern Maryland, Bachelor’s Degree from Salisbury State University as well as a Master Degree from Western Maryland College.

He is the Past President of the Historical Society of Charles County, Charles County Heritage Commission, Charles County Tourism Advisory Board and the Thomas Stone Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.

He is the author of The Simmons and Welch Family of Charles County, Maryland; Dr. Gustavus Brown of Rich Hill and his Illustrious Descendants; and Dear Aaron, Dear Sarah. He was the Illustrations Editor of Pathways to History, Charles County Maryland, 1658-2008 and Research Consultant and Co-Director of The War of 1812 in Charles County’s Backyard: A Virtual Tour.

Currently, he is a tour guide in the Port Tobacco Historic Village, the Vice-President of the Historical Society of Charles County, Chair of both the Friendship House Foundation and the Friends of Rich Hill and Registrar of the Thomas Stone Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. In November 2020, he and his daughter, Madelyn, were accepted into the General Society of Mayflower Descendants through lineal descendant of Mayflower Passenger, George Soule.

We encourage you to come out and shake off those post-holiday blahs, while learning about a place with deep ties, not only to the Civil War in Southern Maryland, but to the history of Charles County and the state of Maryland.

Attendance is free, but membership is encouraged. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org

July 21, 2022

Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table 2022-23 Speaker Schedule

All meetings are held at the Maryland Veterans Museum 11000 Crain Highway Newburg, MD 20664 and begin at 7pm

September 13, 2022 Mike Mazzeo – The History of Rich Hill and its involvement in the Lincoln Assassination

October 11, 2022 Eddie Roberts – “Footsteps Inside: Exploring the Two Sides of Southern Ancestors

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November 8, 2022 Michael Bryan – Cedar Mountain to Antietam

December 13, 2022 Tom Belote – Confederate Campaign of New Mexico

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January 10, 2023 Bert Stevenson – The Rise and Fall of the GAR

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February 14, 2023 Open Discussion Evening

March 14, 2023 Ron Kirkwood – The Women of Spangler Farm

April 11, 2023 Dr. Brad Gottfried – “Lee Invades the North: A Comparison of the Antietam and Gettysburg Campaign”

May 9, 2023 Lisa Gentile Samia – Asia Booth Clarke

Schedule subject to Change

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April 12, 2022April 10, 2022

May 2022 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

May 10 , 2022

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Bob Crickenberger

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table invites you to join us as we welcome friend of the Round Table Bob Crickenberger, who will speak to us tonight about The Prisoners of Point Lookout.

Seeks Ghosts: The Ghosts of Point Lookout Part l

Discussions regarding the prison camp at Point Lookout usually begin with the prison being a horrible place including prisoner rations, disease, shelter, etc. Seldom, if ever, does anyone exam the process a prisoner went through once they arrived at Point Lookout. Points such as How did they get there? Where did they arrive from? What were they wearing? What was the process they went through once they arrived? How were they assigned once in the prison? Questions such as these will be examined and discussed during this session.

Confederate POWs at Point Lookout Prisoner of War Camp ...

Retired as a Production Coordinator for the Prince George’s County Department of Printing, Bob has taken an active role in the preservation of our Southern Maryland Civil War history. A volunteer at Point Lookout State Park since 1978, Bob is also the founder and chairman of The Friends of Point Lookout, which has been in existence since 1985. As well as being a member of the Round table, Bob is also a member of the Sons of Union Veterans Sgt. James Harris Camp #38.

Please come out and join us as we learn more about the events and people that contributed to our own rich Southern Maryland Civil War history. Attendance is free, but membership is recommended. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org or at 443-975-9142.

March 8, 2022February 13, 2022

April 2022 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

April 12 , 2022

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, April 12, 2002 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Garth Bowling

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table invites you to join us as we welcome local historian Garth Bowling, who will speak to us about the Civil in War in Charles County, MD. Serving as a preview to our field trip on Saturday, April 16, 2022, Garth will present stories and history about many of the sights we will see and introduce us to many of the characters that contributed to the Civil War in our own backyard.

Garth Bowling is a native Charles Countian who lives in La Plata with his wife Debra. He has a B.S. in Political Science from Towson University as well as an M.Ed. from Towson. He earned an Advanced Degree in School Management from Loyola College of Baltimore. Garth served in the Army National Guard for six years. He was the recipient of the Washington Post Educational Leadership Award from Charles County in 2002 and from St. Mary’s County in 2014. His professional career spanned 43 years in public education. He taught for six years, was a vice principal for six years, and served as a principal for 31 years. Most of his career was in Southern Maryland where he was principal of Piccowaxen M.S., Hanson M.S., McDonough H.S., La Plata H.S., and Chopticon H.S. After serving as an educator in nine schools in four counties, Garth retired in 2016.

From the time he was a small boy he was interested in the American Civil War. He was raised on stories told by his great-grandfather who remembered the Civil War. When he was in 6^th grade his class took a trip to Stratford Hall, birthplace of Robert E. Lee. From that moment on he read and studied all he could about the Civil War. For five years he was a Confederate re-enactor and in 1982 he formed the La Plata Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

He has been a member of the board of directors of the Historical Society of Charles County, the Charles County Heritage Commission, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco, the Surratt Society and the American Legion.

Since his retirement, he has written two books on the Civil War. His first book, Gateway to the Confederacy, Charles County, Maryland, was published in 2019 and has sold 1,000 copies. Garth’s second book, On the Confederate Border, Charles County, Maryland, was released for sale in the fall of 2021.

Garth’s book talks introduce the audience to a variety of personalities who had a powerful impact on Charles County during the Civil War. Stories of cruelty and compassion are told regarding the Union soldiers who occupied the county, the white citizens, the spies, and the black population that was caught up in the whirlwind of war. He delves deeply into the relationships between various segments of the population during those four tumultuous years of the war.

Please come out whether you are are interested in a primer for our field trip, or just interested in learning a little more about the fascinating history of our home. Attendance is free, but membership is encouraged. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org.

February 8, 2022January 11, 2022

March 2022 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

March 8, 2022

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Due to Charles County Board of County Commissioner updated mandates, masks will be required for all in attendance. Seating will be limited to 4 people per table. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Bradley Gottfried

Join us as we welcome our first Past President and cherished friend as he and his wife Linda share with us some of the stories behind the creation of the Soldier’s National Cemetery in Gettysburg, PA

Most visitors to the National Cemetery at Gettysburg are unaware of its difficult birth. Many steps were required to bring the idea to fruition, from the decision to form the cemetery to its dedication. This presentation highlights the single-minded activities of several men who made it happen. From Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin, to William Saunders who created the cemetery’s plan, to Ward Lamon who planned the consecration ceremony, to Basil Biggs who helped dig up the corpses so they could be moved to the National Cemetery– all toiled to bring the cemetery to life. But one person towers above the others: David Wills, who played a major role during each phase. Lincoln also played a role and his story is one of sadness, fortitude, and mystery. The story of his visit is the stuff of legends.

Brad and Linda Gottfried will use a powerpoint presentation to illustrate the cemetery’s formation.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org or at 443-975-9142. We look forward to seeing you!

January 11, 2022December 23, 2021

February 2022 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

February 8, 2022

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Ron Kirkwood

We welcome back our good friend Ron Kirkwood as he shares more insights from his book, “Too Much for Human Endurance“: The George Spangler Farm Hospitals and the Battle of Gettysburg.

Too Much for Human Endurance: The George Span, Kirkwood ...

Having spoken to us in February 2021 about the importance of this site on the Gettysburg battlefield and told the stories of those who served and suffered here in the capacity of doctor, nurse or wounded soldier, tonight Mr. Kirkwood will explore the strategic importance of the Spangler Farm property and its importance in the Union victory. Specifically, Kirkwood argues in “Too Much for Human Endurance” that the George Spangler farm was the most important farm in the Battle of Gettysburg by revealing factors that have been overlooked for generations such as the presence on the farm directly behind the line of the Army of the Potomac Artillery Reserve, ammunition train and V Corps and VI Corps. This allowed for rapid and timely movement of these reserves on the farm’s roads to the fighting all over the line. Powers Hill also was on the Spanglers’ farm and played a key military role and served as the location of Maj. Gen. George Meade’s second headquarters during and after the battle.

News | George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital to Open June ...

Join us as we uncover more about one of the most important battles of the war and a seldom seem site that played such pivotal role in its outcome.

Attendance is free, but membership is encouraged. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org