Speaking

Let’s talk about history—in person, at historical events, via Zoom, or at conferences!

Over the years, I’ve had privilege to speak at National Museum of Civil War Medicine, West Coast Civil War Round Table Conference, Civil War Round Tables (nationwide), Temecula Valley Genealogy Society, Temecula Valley Historical Society, Society for Women & The Civil War Conference, Emerging Civil War Symposium, and Author Talks at New Market Battlefield. (Some of these presentations have been recorded.)

If you’re interested in scheduling a presentation, please use the contact form. Below, you’ll find my current presentations.

From Virginia to California: VMI, The Battle of New Market, & The Post War Lives of 8 Cadets Connecting east coast and west coast history, this presentation examines the experience of cadets at Virginia Military Institute during the Civilian, the corps’ role in the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864, and how veteran cadets sought new opportunities and used their leadership skills in the Golden State. (45-50 min. Powerpoint images available)

Sigel & Breckinridge: Lessons in Leadership from the Battle of New Market Two generals, two different life stories, and one battlefield where they clashed. This presentation examines the lives and experiences of Union General Franz Sigel and Confederate John C. Breckinridge and how their leadership styles and decisions changed history on a rainy afternoon near the crossroads town of New Market on May 15, 1864. (45-50 min. Powerpoint images available)

The New Market Campaign How did the armies get to New Market for the battle on May 15, 1864? What were the objectives of the campaign? How did the campaign and battle fit into the overall strategic plans for the war in Virginia? This presentation delves deeper in the New Market Campaign and reexamines its challenges and outcomes beyond the famous battle. (45-50 min. Powerpoint images available)

Awakened Hearts: The Power & Patriotism of Civilians In 1861, America was going to war. Citizen armies were formed, and a frenzy of patriotism influenced both the civilian men going to war and those left at home. Following the history of the 1st Minnesota Regiment and the 2nd Virginia Regiment, this presentation explores multiple aspects of the civilian response at the beginning of the war and how they dealt with the realities of war. (45-50 min. Powerpoint images available)

Then Christmas Came: The Justification & Condemnation of War in 1862 In 1862, devastating battles shocked Americans. The end of the war wasn’t in sight. The Battle of Fredericksburg was the capstone for fighting in the east; it ended days before Christmas, leaving soldiers and civilians stunned by the casualties. With the “season of peace and good cheer” upon them, Americans tried to reconcile their war and beliefs. Ultimately, they found ways to justify or condemn the strife, setting the stage for more conflict in coming years. (45-50 minutes. Powerpoint images available.)

A City at War: Richmond, Virginia, in 1863 Richmond, Virginia, was the capital of the Confederacy, but it was also a city facing internal civic and societal conflicts and dilemmas. This presentation takes a closer look at some important events in Richmond’s mid-war history – from Jackson’s funeral, military triumphs and losses, political wrangering, explosive tragedy, slave trade, and independent roles for women. (45-50 minutes. Powerpoint images available.)

Survival: Medical Care during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley Campaigns How did Civil War medicine in theory actually perform “in the field”? This presentation uses the New Market Campaign, Lynchburg Campaign, and Autumn Campaign as a lens to explore medical practices and follows common soldiers and surgeons through their experiences. (45-50 min. Powerpoint images available)

John Pelham’s Fall & The Rise of a Confederate Legend On March 17, 1863, Major John Pelham—commander of the Stuart Horse Artillery—fell off his horse mortally wounded. That day at Kelly’s Ford marked the end of his short life and the beginning of his memory and influential legends. This presentation explores the experiences of the twenty-four-year-old officer, his battlefield tactics and innovations, and how he rose to fame during his life and even more after his death. (45-55 min. Powerpoint images available.)

The Chambersburg Raid Exploring the day by day, town by town details of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry raid into Pennsylvania during October 1862. Did it really accomplish the objectives? Was it worth the miles and the gallantry? This presentation explores the motives, military details, civilian interactions, and outcomes of Stuart’s second ride around McClellan. (45-50 minutes, Powerpoint images available.)

From California to Gettysburg: The Hancock Family In 1858, Winfield and Almira Hancock and their two children moved to California. As a U.S. Army officer, Winfield S. Hancock’s duties had taken the family to several remote outposts, but their time in California would be some of their most memorable days. The American Civil War began while the Hancocks were in California, and this conflict presented challenging choices. Their decision – made in California – would impact one of the great battles of the war. (45-50 min. Powerpoint images available).

Gettysburg Civilians: A New Perspective on One of the Civil War’s Most Famous Battles Many people know about the military conflicts, tactics, and strategies at Gettysburg, but it’s important to remember that Gettysburg was a town and farming community long before the armies arrived. This presentation explores that town, its citizens, and the civilian experience before, during, and after the bloody battle days. (45-50 min. Powerpoint images available)