Jeff Shaara, best-selling author of "Gods and Generals," will be the keynote speaker for five days of Civil War-related events at the Boca Grande Community Center beginning April 22, 2013.
"2011-2015 marks the sesquicentennial (150-year anniversary) of the Civil War and interest in understanding this tumultuous time in our history continues to increase," said Marta Howell, executive director for Friends of Boca Grande. "Civil War Reflections is our first attempt at a Chautauqua-like week of in-depth study. We are planning activities that will be of interest to every age group, and our only worry is that the auditorium will be too small to accommodate all the interest. "
The "Civil War Reflections" program will explore Civil War history using oral histories, historical letters, research, literature, photography, movies, music, theatre, art and poetry.
Article Photos
“Gods and Generals” author Jeff Shaara will be in Boca Grande as the keynote speaker for Civil War week.
"Our goal is to provide education, enlightenment and entertainment that looks at different aspects of the Civil War from a perspective that we probably never studied," said Roger Lewis, chairman of the Steering Committee. "For example, 1863 saw the Emancipation Proclamation and the battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg, but what was life like for the residents of Gettysburg? The Civil War is a fascinating time in American history that we hope to bring alive in Boca Grande."
The agenda will feature well-known lecturers, best-selling authors and Boca Grande talent.
The program is a collaborative effort of many island organizations, whose representatives have been meeting since January.
Fact Box
To Go
What: "Civil War Reflections"
When: April 22-26, 2013
Where: Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium
Why: "2011-2015 marks the sesquicentennial of the Civil War and interest in understanding this tumultuous time in our history continues to increase," said Marta Howell, executive director for Friends of Boca Grande. "Civil War Reflections is our first attempt at a Chautauqua-like week of in-depth study."
Cost: $250 for early birds; $300 as of Jan.1, 2013
Contact: Register online at bgcivilwar.org/ or call the Community Center at (941) 964-0827.
Presenters: Garry Adelman, Margaret Creighton, Ann Fletcher, Candice Shy Hooper, Tera Hunter, Tad Ingram, Robert N. Macomber, James Marten, Jeff Shaara, John Shaw, Richard D. Stafford, LeeAnn Whites, Bob Zeller and th Live Poets Society of Boca Grande.
The format will be three events per day - morning and afternoon lecture followed by evening entertainment at the Community Center auditorium. Authors will be available to sign and sell books.
Civil War Reflections is hoping to host an encampment of Civil War re-enactors on the grounds of the Community Center, which will be free to the public. The encampment will feature Union and Confederate infantry and civilian impressions, such as a ladies tea and period vendors.
Early-bird registration for the 15-event program is $250. After Dec. 31, 2012, regular registration will go on sale for $300. Register online at bgcivilwar.org/ or call the Community Center at (941) 964-0827.
