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

January 5, 2022February 13, 2022

Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table 2022 Spring Field Trip

A Guided Tour of Civil War Charles County

Rich Hill, circa 1729, Ben Alton, MD | Rich Hill, near Bel ...

Date: Saturday, April 16, 2022

This tour provides you with an opportunity to traverse the back roads of Charles County and learn about the places and events that affected so many lives during the Civil War. We will stop and explore historic locations such as Port Tobacco and Rich Hill.

We will also amble through a few of the famous Civil War cemeteries such as those at the Old Piney Chapel and St. Ignatius Church at Chapel Point. At times, the bus will stop on the side of the road at the sites of ghost towns like Allen’s Fresh and Newport. We will also pause along the county’s winding roads to see homes that were occupied by famous personalities like Olivia Floyd, the Confederate spy, and Michael Stone Robertson, the gallant captain who died leading his men into battle.

By the end of the day, you will have experienced a unique opportunity to step back into time and sense what it was like to live in Charles County during the four most turbulent years of our nation’s history.

We will disembark our bus at these points of interest:

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Piney Parish, Waldorf
St. Mary’s Catholic Church: Bryantown
St. Mary’s Newport Catholic Church, Charlotte Hall
Village of Port Tobacco (also our lunch stop)
St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Chapel Point
Rich Hill, Bel Alton, MD

Port Tobacco Historical Marker

Our Guide: Garth Bowling, educator, historian and author

Cost: (bus, lunch and guide) is $50 for Round Table members and $60 for non-members during early bird registration by March 8, 2022 (our monthly meeting date). Thereafter, the cost is $55 for members and $65 for non-members.

Itinerary: Saturday, April 16, 2022

Depart from Maryland Veterans Museum, Newburg, MD: 9:00am
Return to Veteran’s Museum, Newburg, MD 5:00pm

To sign up for the tour, or for additional information, contact Ben Sunderland, SOMDCWRT President at 443-975-9142 or via email at bsunderland@somdcwrt.org

website: https://somdcwrt.org

November 9, 2021October 29, 2021

December 2021 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

December 14, 2021

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 7:00pm at our NEW meeting location, The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Susan Youhn

“The Lives of the General’s Wives”

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This lecture will chronicle the lives of Mary Lee (Robert E. Lee), Julia Grant (Ulysses Grant), Marianna Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) and Myra Hancock (Winfield Hancock) with emphasis on how they came to be military wives.

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It will explore the women’s lives to see how each came to view their role as an Army wife and how that role affected their lives before and after the war. How did they cope with the long separations, hardships of duty stations and the Army politics?

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And it will show you that while most women of the era only had to put up with Army life for 4 years, for these women it was a lifetime.

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Please come and join us as we learn about women behind the men that played such a prominent role in the the Unites State Civil War. 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. We look forward to seeing you!

October 12, 2021September 30, 2021

November 2021 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table

November 9, 2021

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Gary Dyson

We welcome our friend Gary Dyson back to Southern Maryland this evening, as he shares with us his latest offering, “Confederate Row: The Confederate Dead Buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland 1862-1907”

Confederate Row tells the stories of the Confederate dead buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick from 1862-1907. These soldiers entered Maryland in not the best physical condition, but fought at South Mountain, Sharpsburg, Gettysburg, Cedar Creek, and other nearby battlefields and later died in Frederick from their wounds. Their genealogy, battle history, and extent of their wounds where possible are described. The presentation will also give the history of the Row since the war. As a sequel, “beyond the Bowie List” is in the works. This will describe the lives of all the known Confederate dead buried in Maryland that presumably were re-interred at the Washington Confederate from the battlefields of South Mountain, Sharpsburg, the retreat from Gettysburg, and some from Early’s Maryland invasion of 1864 that weren’t buried in Frederick.

Gary L. Dyson is a retired Environmental Specialist from the city of Gaithersburg, MD and a Marine Corps veteran. He is a lifelong history enthusiast and has spent countless hours reading, researching and exploring battlefields – from the French and Indian War to World War II. Gary owns Dyson Genealogy and Historical Research and is the author of The Ambush of the Isaac P. Smith and A Civil War Correspondent in New Orleans, the Journals and Reports of Albert Gaius Hills of the Boston Journal as well as two Maryland church histories. He has a BS in Natural Resources from Oregon State University. Gary lives in Mount Airy, MD with his wife Emily, and are finally “empty-nesters.”

We welcome all to come out and learn about this important Civil War location, the story behind and the current state of the cemetery. Attendance is free, but membership is encouraged. 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!

September 14, 2021September 10, 2021

October 2021 Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table Meeting

October 12, 2021

The Southern Maryland Civil War Round Table is pleased to announce that its next meeting will be held Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 7:00pm at The Maryland Veterans Museum, 11000 Crain Highway North, Newburg, MD 20664.

Guest Speaker: Bob Bowser

Join historian Bob Bowser as he delves into the intricate details of the four year process to obtain a pardon for Dr. Samuel Mudd!

Dr. Mudd was convicted of conspiring to kill President Lincoln in June of 1865. His punishment was set for life in prison, yet he spent less than four years incarcerated. The standard story credits Dr. Mudd’s efforts during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1867 as justification for pardon. However, the story is far more interesting and complex! This talk will take an in depth look at the unceasing fight to gain Dr. Mudd’s freedom amid the turbulent political atmosphere of the late 1860s.

Bob Bowser is a high school history teacher at Henry E. Lackey High School, located in Charles County Maryland. For the last 11 years, Bob has been a tour guide at the Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum. Additionally, Bob has done a first-person portrayal of Dr. Mudd for the last four years. Bob holds a BS in Education and a MA in History.

We welcome all to come out and hear about this player in the Lincoln assassination. Attendance is free, but membership is encouraged. 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!