Symposium Spotlight: Timothy B. Smith
We’re delighted to bring Timothy B. Smith to the Emerging Civil War Symposium at Stevenson Ridge this coming summer as our keynote speaker (Aug. 4-6, 2023). Our theme is “1863: The Great Task Before Us,” and of course, that has to include the Vicksburg Campaign. Who better to speak about Vicksburg than the author of the ongoing, acclaimed microtactical study of the campaign currently being published by the University of Kansas Press?
I had the chance earlier this fall to catch up with Tim at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, and we talked a little about his upcoming ECW appearance.
Early bird tickets, on sale through the end of December, are $200. After that, our regular ticket price is $225. You can order through the link on the right-hand column of this page or by visiting our Symposium page.
Stay tuned: we’ll continue posting updates on the blog every Wednesday morning!
A brilliant historian and entertaining battlefield guide. I seriously hope the symposium gets filmed this year!
You practically asked for it, so, on to the Top Ten Reasons to Attend the 2023 Emerging Civil War Symposium:
1) The friendship, camaraderie, and professional networking that’s a staple of these get togethers. They’re fun to attend with similarly minded folks of diverse sub-interests.
2) The opportunity to see, meet, and hear (an always excellent keynote speaker) author Tim Smith. (Questions about Conquer or Perish immediately come to my mind)
3) The chance to meet and get to know many of the growing numbers of established, ECW authors, ask them questions, and have them sign books. Always many, various books for sale.
4) The time to talk, socialize, and discuss which directions new scholarship may be heading or not.
5) The ability to meet and chat with up and coming new authors and bloggers with fresh perspectives on diverse topics.
6) A great reason for most of us to focus on the often neglected Western Theatre, Grant’s developing generalship, and general scholarship of the Western battles.
7) The number and variety of the participants. You can find others that write about or are interested in the same Civil War sub-topics as you (i.e. small battle, specific regiment or company, hospital or religious care…).
8) The superb lineup of speakers – always talks that interest you and lectures you didn’t know you were fascinated about but now are.
9) The lively conversations concerning the theme of the Symposium: 1863 – The Great Task Before Us, which will include the Vicksburg Campaign and maybe a more balanced assessment of Grant’s developing Generalship.
10) Finally, the Mackowski’s and their teams; MC Chris and the ECW staff working all year, along with our Hostess Jennifer and the Stevenson’s Ridge staff, pull the whole shebang off as great education and entertainment in a very comfortable setting with excellent food and drink.
(Note: the last one is seldom funny)
Thanks for the kind words, Joe. You’re one of our best cheerleaders, and we appreciate all your ongoing support–thank you!