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Doug Crenshaw, President Gary Cowardin, Editor 3354 Burnett Field Drive 1404 Lorraine Ave. Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Richmond, VA 23227-3735 dcrenshawjr@comcast.net cowardin@juno.com4602 Cary Street Road, 23226. A parking lot is available behind the church with an entrance off the parking lot to the right and up a few steps into the DINING HALL on the left.
"Shrouded in Mystery" by Richard Lewis 7:30pm, Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at the First Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA.,
Could it be that familiar and seemingly mundane studio images of Civil
War generals hold a long-forgotten hidden secret? A wrinkle in a sleeve
sent Richard Lewis on a six-year research project that resulted in two
articles in Civil War Times magazine and revealed a fascinating
surprise. Not everything is as it seems in Civil War photography, even
in pictures of well-known figures. Join us as Richard presents a lively
and fun PowerPoint taking us step-by-step through his discoveries and
enabling audience members to play "history detective" along with him.
Richard Lewis is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, and a graduate of
Louisiana State University where he studied Civil War history under
Pulitzer Prize-winner Dr. T. Harry Williams. He retired as the
Director of Public Relations for the Virginia Tourism Corporation,
serves as a volunteer at Richmond National Battlefield Park, and is
secretary of Civil War Trails, Inc.
Meeting Attendance for the December Meeting: 69
NOTE: Please put on your NAME BADGE on when you arrive for the meeting.
(They will be on a table near the back or side of the room.)
Message from Our New President It's hard to believe that another year has passed by so quickly! Is it really 2020? Last year we lost Bud Robertson, and Rob wrote a nice article about Bud in December's newsletter. A tremendous speaker, author and historian, he will be impossible to replace. The Mosby Heritage Area Association lost Horace Mewborn, a Mosby expert. I also received news that Chris Calkins will be retiring. Chris served the National Park Service at Appomattox Court House, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, and was the historian and Chief of Interpretation at Petersburg National Battlefield. In 2008 he accepted a position as the Park Manager at Sailor's Creek. This is a small gem of a battlefield, well worth the drive. Chris even donated his own personal library to the site! He has written several books, including The Appomattox Campaign, Five Forks, and the driving tour book Lee's Retreat. Chris was also instrumental in the preservation of key tracts in the Petersburg and Appomattox areas. Ed Sanders of the RNBP retired this year as well. Ed brought enthusiasm and a vast knowledge of Cold Harbor and Civil War artillery to thousands of Park visitors. These men will be sorely missed. However, a new generation of historians is rising. Mike Gorman, Nathan Hall and our own Bert Dunkerly are doing great work at the Richmond National Battlefield Park. All three lead tours and have spoken recently at RCWRT meetings. Emmanuel Dabney at Petersburg, Michael Moore on the Peninsula and Drew Gruber of Civil War Trails are adding to the field of knowledge. A group of young historians who write for the Emerging Civil War Series are doing great work, and are excellent speakers. Chris Mackowski and Chris Kolakowski both spoke to our group last year (I can still see Chris M. striding back and forth, telling our group his exciting story of Stonewall). Rob Orrison is an expert on events in Northern Virginia, and Kevin Pawlak (who works with Rob) is an authority on Antietam. And, let's not forget Jack Mountcastle. While not one of the new young breed, Jack does exceptional work in leading tours, giving talks, and helping young historians along. While we will certainly miss those who are longer on the scene,Civil War history is in great hands. There is so much to look forward to in 2020! Doug
Our 2020 Speakers List is now Online RCWRT Monthly Speakers for 2020 Great lineup - Thanks Ulli
A Message from our Secretary Andy Keller Join me in welcoming our two newest members: Bob & Jackie Talbot William Graham Steve Altice The results of the election at the December meeting for the at large Board of Directors members was the reelection of Dan Balfour and Jack Mountcastle. Elaine Duckworth was previously serving as an ex-officio director and was elected as the third at large director. Joe Markovich was elected 2nd Vice President. January 1 marks the beginning of our 2020 dues year. Renewal dues for individuals are $35 and $45 for couples sharing the same address. Dues may be paid as late as February 15 without incurring the $10 late fee (It was reduced from $25 in October). You do not need to fill out a new membership form, but if you have had a change of name, address, telephone or email then you should let me know that so we can update our records. You can email that to me at: secretary.rcwrt@gmail.com Thank you to the 13 members who have already renewed their membership. I would encourage you to put this annual payment on autopilot by asking your bank to send me a check for your dues in January of each year. Just make sure it is a check and not an electronic payment since we are not prepared to handle those. If you pay in cash at a meeting, I will give you a receipt so do not let me forget. My address is: Andy Keller (RCWRT) 9701 Fireside Drive Glen Allen, VA 23060-6280 I hope you will renew and invite a friend to join as well. Andy secretary.rcwrt@gmail.com 2020 RCWRT Constitution
Our 2019 Dinner
Upcoming Events/Links
National Park Service Richmond
Richmond Battlefields Association News & Events www.saverichmondbattlefields.org/events.htm
Visit the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar and the White House of the Confederacy www.acwm.org
Pamplin Historical Park and The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier www.pamplinpark.org
Chambersburg Civil War Seminars & Tours civilwarseminars.org
RCWRT Monthly Speakers for 2020
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©R.C.W.R.T. 2020