The Civil War Series: The Battle of Gettysburg

The Civil War: The Battle of Gettysburg
Thurs, June 15 | 10:30-11:30 am
In-person at Sanford
Thurs, June 29 | 10:30-11:30 am
In-person at Trailside

Join educator (and Civil War buff) Mike Trebilcock for an interactive program looking at all aspects of the American Civil War – from its causes to its legacy and memory. Anyone with an interest in the Civil War – expert and novice alike – is encouraged to attend.

The Battle of Gettysburg
Was Gettysburg the turning point of the war? It was a clear victory for the Union Army of the Potomac and a stinging defeat for Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia. It was the costliest single battle of the entire war with estimated total casualties over 50,000. Gettysburg has fascinated the nation ever since it was fought – it is the most written about and most visited of all Civil War sites.

In this program we will discuss the essentials of the Gettysburg story. Why did General Lee decide to follow up his victory at Chancellorsville with an invasion of the North? Why was General Hooker replaced in response? Why was the battle fought at Gettysburg? What were the key moments and decisions made by the leaders on both sides? What were the consequences of the Union victory and Confederate defeat? A few favorite myths and stories surrounding the battle will also be highlighted.

For those who know the Gettysburg story, the names and places will be familiar: Lee, Longstreet, Stuart, Meade, Hancock, Sickles, Cemetery Hill, Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, the Peach Orchard, Cemetery Ridge, Pickett’s Charge, etc. For those looking to learn about what happened at Gettysburg on July 1-3, 1863 prepare for a remarkable story.

Reserve your spot below or by calling 989-633-3700! Online registration is available up until 2 hours prior to the program start time. If you are attempting to register less than 2 hours prior, please call 989-633-3700 for assistance.

Trailside Civil War registrants: Please enter through the main entrance or by the library and proceed directly to room 160. There will be an extra lunch sign-in sheet there so that you will not need to enter Trailside until after the program. This helps our Line Dancing group that meets in Trailside at the same time to remain uninterrupted. Thank you!