Sponsoring Organizations:

National Archives and Records Administration-Great Lakes Region
Chicago Historical Society
Chicago Civil War Round Table
Salt Creek Civil War Round Table
Public History Program at Loyola University
National Park Service

ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM:

When Civil War navies are mentioned, most people think of the traditional battle between the Monitor and the Merrimack. However, very few people consider the myriad, significant Union and Confederate naval operations and developments that influenced and altered the war’s course.

Topics that will be considered in this year’s Symposium will include: the protracted conflict between Union and Confederate naval and land forces over Charleston Harbor; the struggle for Island No. 10; Union naval attacks and raids along the Atlantic Coast and inland waterways; the war on western waters; the common sailor’s life; African-American seamen; the covert naval intelligence war; and the efforts to preserve underwater historical sites.

The Symposium's speakers and presentations include:

"The Mississippi Squadron Confronts a Disaster on the Red River"
Dr. Edwin C. Bearss, Historian Emeritus, National Park Service

"Uncle Sam's Webfeet: The United States Navy in the Eastern Theater During the Civil War"
Robert M. Browning, Jr. Chief Historian, U.S. Coast Guard

"Combined Operations in the Reduction of Island No. 10"
Peter E. Cozzens, Independent Scholar, Department of State

"Building the Confederate Fleet Abroad"
Kevin J. Foster, Chief, National Maritime Initiative, National Park Service

"The Worlds of Enlisted Men in the U. S. Navy"
Dr. Joseph P. Reidy, Department of History, Howard University

"The Union and Confederate Navies During the Civil War"
Dr. Stephen R. Wise, U.S. Marine Corps Museum, Parris Island

"Investigating the Shipwrecks of the American Civil War"
Dr. Gordon P. Watts, Jr. Department of History, East Carolina University

REENACTMENT: An encampment will be provided during the lunch break. Reenactors representing various Civil War regiments from the Chicago area will demonstrate close-order drill, an artillery demonstration, medical reenactment, and camp life to Symposium participants. A boxed lunch will be provided for an additional fee.

AUTHORS SIGNING SESSION: There will be a book display related to the Symposium’s theme. An authors signing session will be held during the reception.

RECEPTION: Following the final session, the sponsoring organizations will hold a closing reception at the Chicago Historical Society. Participants and presenters can mingle and discuss the day’s activities.

FEES: The fee for attending the Symposium is $35.00. The fee for students with a copy of a valid I.D.; Round Table members; Chicago Historical Society and National Archives staff is $25.00. The boxed lunch is an additional $10.00.

PARKING: Available in the new parking garage directly north of the Chicago Historical Society, in Lincoln Park. Participants can have their tickets validated at the Society rate of $5.00.

REGISTRATION: For registration information, contact Ms. Amy Woodward at the address below.

REGISTRATION BEGINS JUNE 1, 2000