Gazette665’s After-Action Conference Report (West Coast)

Perhaps in the last few months, you’ve seen the announcements regarding a new Civil War History Conference in Southern California? The event took place yesterday (Saturday, June 4th) and was attended by about 60 people who enjoyed it with positive enthusiasm.

Hosted by Gazette665 and coordinated by Sarah Kay Bierle (ECW member), the conference focused on the first year of the Civil War. 1861: Marching To War opened its doors at 8:30am, and speakers and event staff were ready to greet the guests, help with check-in, and visit with coffee cups in hand for a half-hour. At 9am, the conference officially started with opening remarks, inviting the audience “to think, to learn, and to be inspired.”

Three speakers took the podium in the morning session. John Smoley discussed the life of Jefferson Davis and briefly touched on some of the 1861 Southern theories of states rights and war causes. NPS Historian Robert Munson shared about the early war actions on the water, surprising listeners with the amount of naval and maritime stand-offs prior to Fort Sumter. Sarah Kay Bierle shared about the unique experience of civilians in 1861, forming armies, creating the homefront, and awakening to realities of war.

The lunch hour gave speakers and guests a chance to meet and mingle. Good discussion of Civil War themes occurred and topics were explored in greater detail in the small group setting. A doorprize raffle concluded the noon hour with a giveaway of books and Civil War themed gift baskets donated by the speakers and event staff.

Bruce Carver gave the first presentation of the afternoon session, sharing his research on Civil War era bands and music. Meg Groeling (ECW Member) spoke about the life and death of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, helping the audience explore details of recruiting and war realities. Exploring the events leading up to the war and the situation in the western states and territories, Mark Schoenberger talked about compromises, gold rushes, and political developments on California’s road into the war. David T. Dixon concluded the conference with a strong presentation on the dilemmas of Southerners who supported the Union cause.

Throughout the day, books written by the speakers were available for purchase. Cheryl Schoenberger – an award-winning artist – brought some of her small Civil War paintings for display and sale.

What a day! The event proceeded smoothly, and the event staff received very positive feedback from the guests. The goals of sharing research, inviting thought and discussion, and creating a fun and relaxed environment for history buffs to enjoy were accomplished. (A big thank-you to everyone – speakers, staff, volunteers – who helped make this event successful!)

More photos from the event and speakers have been posted on the conference’s Facebook page. Click Here, then login, and click the discussion tab on the event page.

Will this become an annual Civil War history event in Southern California? Will there be an 1862 conference? (I’m sure we’ll have forthcoming answers…as soon as the coordinator and staff awake from some long naps!)