To The Gates of Richmond: Virginia 1862 a success!
In April, CWPT members and friends gathered in Portsmouth, Va. for the organization's annual conference. The theme for 2007 was To The Gates of Richmond: Virginia 1862. The annual event is always well attended, and this year's conference was no exception. More than 360 people enrolled, including the largest ever percentage of first time participants.
The beginning of the conference was highlighted by the Color Bearer tour of Fort Boykin and Fort Huger as well as history talks and a public meeting of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Commission.
Following the Thursday opening luncheon, CWPT members were treated to an enlightening panel discussion by renowned historians. This discussion provided a groundwork of historical knowledge about the Civil War in Hampton Roads and on the Peninsula before serious touring began the next day. Panelists included Edwin C. Bearss, Robert "Bobby" E.L. Krick and Richard "Dick" Sommers, with J. Michael Moore moderating. The topic was: Leadership during the Civil War, with an emphasis on George B. McClellan and Stonewall Jackson. After the panel discussion, Craig Symonds presented a lecture on the importance of the Navy during the Civil War and particularly in Hampton Roads. Thursday evening ended with a tasty dessert reception with musical entertainment by Southern Horizon.
On Friday and Saturday, the tour buses left for CWPT's famous battlefield tours. Participants had their choice of battles to follow: Ironclads, Peninsula Campaign Overview, Peninsula Campaign-Parts 1 and 2, Siege of Suffolk and Seven Days. Participating historians included Mike Andrus, Edwin C. Bearss, John Goddard, Christopher L. Kolakowski, Robert E. L. Krick, J. Michael Moore, John V. Quarstein, Craig Symonds and Brian Steel Wills. There were also two alternate tours, Historic Homes and Gardens and Williamsburg Today, for conference attendees who wanted something a little less martial in nature. We always have similarly themed tour offerings, so feel free to bring friends next year, even if they are not interested in the Civil War!
Saturday evening's dinner banquet was highlighted by the spectacular Wildcat Regiment Band. The Wildcat Regiment Band had copies of their new CD on site and distributed them for a minimum donation of $15.00 to CWPT. The total amount raised was $1810! After dinner, President Jim Lighthizer presented CWPT's annual Preservation Awards. Award winners spoke movingly about their attachment to the work of CWPT and the importance of preservation.
After a weekend of Civil War history and close friends reuniting, the conference came to a close on Sunday morning with a worship service led by Ben Maryniak and a question and answer breakfast with members of the CWPT staff.
CWPT particularly wants to thank our sponsor, The History Channel, and our wonderful historians who, as always, donated their time and their talent to make the event a true success. We would also like to thank Douglas Jimerson who donated his CD, "The Civil War" and the Portsmouth Convention and Visitor's Bureau who gave out information about the city of Portsmouth to our conference attendees.
Here are some comments from this year's attendees: "Thank you for a wonderful experience," "Great first conference experience" and "Thanks, as usual, it was the most fun I have had this year".
In order to be part of this wonderful experience, make your plans now to attend next year's annual conference. From April 17 – 20, 2008, we'll take you to Springfield, Mo. for War in the Ozarks: Trans-Mississippi and Missouri. You can register now by calling our Hagerstown office at 301-665-1400 or toll free 888-606-1400. Please check back for online registration.
