Civil War Lecture Series at Sully Commemorates Sesquicentennial

As we commemorate of the 150^th anniversary of the American Civil War, Sully Historic Site presents an evening lecture series.  This Civil War Commemorative Program is sponsored by the Sully Foundation, Ltd. in memory of Thom F. Hanes, one of the original founders.  Each evening, local historians present a unique aspect of the Unionist point of view, especially significant to Sully, because its mid-19^th century owners were Quakers from New York.

This series, on the second Tuesdays of March, April and May, offers a diverse view of the War Between the States.

On March 13, 2012 Chuck Mauro will talk about the lives of the Unionist civilians who lived in the decidedly pro-Confederate northern Virginia area during the Civil War.  Based on his book, The Civil War in Fairfax County: Civilians and Soldiers, he will talk about these residents who had to not only deal with marauding soldiers, but their unsympathetic neighbors as well. Mauro is a member of several area historical societies.  He is an author, movie producer and photographer.  In 1999, he received the coveted Nan Netherton Heritage Award for historical research, writing and photography for The Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill), A Monumental Storm. Author Mauro will sign copies of his books at the end of the evening.  This lecture will be held at Cabell’s Mill in Centreville.

On April 10, spend an evening with Keith Jarman, and hear about the African American perspective of the Civil War.  Jarman is a community leader, teacher, mentor and passionate advocate for motivating youth to obtain a higher education and independent success.  In 2006 he founded the Rough Riders, Buffalo Soldiers Association (RRBSA), a nonprofit, non-governmental organization with a national mission to be a positive influence and role model in our communities.  The RRBSA provides reenactments, black and American history programs and a variety of community service.

On May 8, David Welker shares his expertise on the northern view of the Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill.)  The Centreville resident is the author of Tempest at Ox Hill:  The Battle of Chantilly and A Keystone Rebel, as well as many Civil War–related newspaper and magazine articles.  He works as a military analyst for the U.S. government and lives in Virginia.

The April and May talks will be held at Sully, in the 1794 home of Richard Bland Lee, northern Virginia’s first congressman and uncle of Robert E. Lee.  Talks begin at 7pm and light refreshments will be served.  Suggested donation is $5.  Space is limited.  Call to reserve your seat now.  For more information and directions to both locations call 703-437-1794.