Syracuse, NY, May 16, 2011 – The Onondaga Historical Association (“OHA”) and Onondaga County Civil War Round Table (“OCCWRT”) will jointly sponsor the 150th “Sesquicentennial” Anniversary commemorating the start of the Civil War on Wednesday, June 8 through Friday, June 10, 2011. The festivities will take place at the OHA’s Gambrinus Room on the 2nd floor, located at 321 Montgomery Street in downtown Syracuse.
The activities will include a compelling speakers program with several renowned historians and authors, as well as a special Civil War exhibit that will include a one-time only showing of Syracuse's own “Butler Zouaves” uniforms (colorful combat/ceremonial French military garb that was popular at the time). Program events revolve around the early war years and recruitment of soldiers in Central New York including local “Zouave” military units who fought in the Battle of Big Bethel (Virginia, June 10, 1861). The program will also cover the famed 11th New York Fire soldiers who fought in the First Battle of Manassas July 21, 1861 (also known as the battle of “Bull Run”).
All activities are free and opened to the public and no reservations are required. Light refreshments will be offered.
The calendar of events for the 150th Civil War Sesquicentennial includes:
Wednesday, June 8, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
John V. Quarstein speaks on the Battle of Big Bethel, where “Butler Zouaves,” a local Onondaga County military unit, fought. Mr. Quarstein is an award winning historian, preservationist, and author. He presently serves as historian for the city of Hampton, VA He previously worked for thirty years as the director of the Virginia War Museum and as consultant to The Mariners’ Museum’s MONITOR Center. John Quarstein is the author of a dozen books, including his newest book, Big Bethel: The First Battle. He also has produced, narrated and written several PBS documentaries, such as Jamestown: Foundation Of Freedom and the film series Civil War In Hampton Roads, which was awarded a 2007 Silver Telly. Quarstein is the recipient of several awards, including most recently the Daughters of the American Revolution Gold Historians Medal in 2009.
Thursday, June 9, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Patrick A. Schroeder, Chief Historian at Appomattox Court House National Park, will speak on the topic of “Elmer E. Ellsworth and the 11th New York Fire Zouaves at Bull Run: Heroes or Humbugs?” Mr. Schroeder has written, edited and/or contributed to more than twenty Civil War titles. His latest two books, co-authored and edited with Brian Pohanka, are: With the 11th New York Fire Zouaves in Camp, Battle, and Prison: The Narrative of Private Arthur O’Neil Alcock in the New York Atlas and Leader, and From the Bowery to Bull Run and Beyond: The History of the 11th New York Fire Zouaves, 1861-1862.
Friday, June 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Following a wine and cheese reception to celebrate the final night of the festivities which will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thomas A. Hunter, Assistant Director/ Collections Curator at the OHA Museum, will speak on the topic of John Butler’s Zouaves unit, which later became Company D, 3rd New York Infantry Regiment. After his talk, Mr. Hunter will conduct a special tour of the OHA’s Civil War exhibit, including the showing of the Butler Zouave uniforms (6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.).
Link to Press Kit
