CWRT Meetings: The Frontline

Emerging Civil War welcomes Mike Movius.

One of the most interesting things about Civil War Round Tables is their diversity as organizations. We know that the majority of CWRTs hold monthly meetings, are dedicated to discussing the American Civil War, and have a following interested in learning about that period in our national history. At that point is where the diversity becomes evident.

We recently conducted an online survey about the format of CWRT meetings. We asked if their CWRT currently holds in-person, online, and hybrid meetings. We asked about food service choices, cost, and details of those with dinner meetings. And we asked about the elements of their meetings.

As of August-September 2024, there are still a few round tables that are not holding in-person meetings. They seem content or restricted to only host online meetings. We are agnostic about that, but it’s interesting in that so many CWRT members say that the camaraderie that in-person meeting engenders is one of the most important aspects of their organization. Perhaps we have something to learn from the online meeting folks.

And yet, nearly 40% of the in-person CWRTs also provide their meetings online. One of the fascinating results came to us in a related email. They record their meetings and have the recording available about a week after the in-person meeting. That’s quite a different take.

As to dinner meetings, it was surprising that under 40% have a meal as part of their meeting. Less than a decade ago, it was widely understood that a CWRT meeting involved dinner service.  Today, that seems to have gone out of fashion. We can only speculate about why that has occurred, but it seems that cost and availability have much to do with that change.

Finally, we explored the elements of CWRT meetings. It is widely agreed that guest introductions, announcements of one type or another, speaker introductions, speaker presentations, and a follow-on question and answer period are the most prevalent aspects of CWRT meetings. The next largest category includes registration and check-in, a book raffle, author book purchases and signing, and a closing of some sort.  

What is intriguing is that ticket sales, cocktails, committee reports, and drawings are lower down on the list.  But the most intriguing elements include a pledge of allegiance at the opening, serving refreshments (cookies, coffee, and/or water), a welcome table with handouts, membership forms, etc., either a written or oral Civil War quiz, a book exchange as opposed to book sales, a “Civil War Minute” or short video, and singing Civil War songs.

I’m struck by the round table that sings together. Some years ago, Rosemary Nichols of the Capital District CWRT near Albany, NY and who served on our board of directors, suggested a sing-along at a CWRT Congress event. Her insightful reasons were that singing together is not only joyous, informs us about our mutual humanity, is reminiscent of soldierly entertainment during their service time, and is just plain fun.

Detailed survey results are available here.



5 Responses to CWRT Meetings: The Frontline

  1. Thanks for this, Mike.

    I started the South Bay Civil War Round Table (with Dave Woodbury) in San Jose in 1989 and it is still going strong. Now, I am about to start the Myrtle Beach CWRT with author Stephen “Sam” Hood.

    One aspect I feel strongly about is having a meal/drink gathering before the talk. It should be completely optional, of course, but the ability to meet beforehand, break bread, talk, have a drink, etc., creates a real sense of comradery. Friendships form, ideas flow, bounds grow. Those who want to only come for the talk can still do so. Today, I find the environment of too many RTs sterile, the members distant. Folls walk in, sit down, listen, and leave.

    With all the competition for time and entertainment, a RT should be active, vibrant, warm, and welcoming. Like a big family. A place you want to come back to and enjoy. And it should always be growing. It’s a challenge.

    Thanks for all you do, Mike.

  2. It is unfortunate that many CWRT’s are their own worst enemy. Several years ago, I joined the Western PA CWRT. I went to four meetings and no one, including the officers, made any attempt to speak to me and make me feel welcome. When I tried to start a conversation with others, they ignored me and walked away. I felt like the unwanted guest at a family dinner. I never went back and did not renew my membership. If you go to their website and click on the Calendar tab, as of 9:10 a.m. today, it reads “2023 Calendar of Events”. If people are looking for a local CWRT to join and see this, many will assume the organization has folded and search elsewhere.

    In another example of an unforced error, in early November I emailed the Mason-Dixon CWRT with a question about upcoming speakers. Nearly 3 months later I have never received an answer. Do you think this would make me more likely of less likely to drive 75 miles to Morgantown, WV to attend a meeting?

    Running a CWRT is not easy. But too many shoot themselves in the foot by not doing the simplest things: keeping the website up to date, responding to an email from a potential new member, and by not treating new members like social outcasts. Until CWRT’s learn to do these very easy things, no amount of dinners, book raffles, or sing-alongs will improve their
    long- term survival rate.

    1. I have spoken to a couple three dozen RTs, and about half, to me, were unorganized and dysfunctional. It is not hard to round a RT–3-4 people can easily do it capably. But you have to have a vision and a purpose and understand “customer service,” because you have to welcome new folks, and keep the regulars satisfied.

  3. These comments reflect my experience also. I joined and drove an hour to hear a specific speaker. Most attendees showed up just at the start and immediately left. No one greeted me. No one made me feel welcome.

  4. For several years I enjoyed the monthly meetings of the Cleveland CWRT- great collegiality and speakers. The Dick Crewes annual debate in January was a great deal of fun. I recall my time on the panel on the most important battle in the War. I argued The Wilderness because of Grant’s decision to follow the Brock Road south and pursue Lee. I suspect Chris Mackowski might nod approvingly.

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