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
