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should not surprise anyone that many people remain deeply
interested in that unusual period of American history
from 1861 to 1865. The Civil War, known by many other
names in different parts of the country, has been romanticized
and militarily dissected more than any other war in
history.
To help keep the history of the time alive, a number
of men and women organized The Civil War Round Table
of New York in 1951. They included reporters, historians,
professors, military personnel and many others. Over
the years, more than 175 such organizations have brought
together people interested in the war.
The Civil War Round Table of New York generally meets
the second Wednesday of the month from September to
June. Members assist each other with research, discuss
preservation strategy for endangered battlefields
and other sites, and listen to a distinguished speaker
talk about a particular aspect of the war. For the
year 2007/2008, the meeting location will be the 3
West Club, 3 West 51st Street in Manhattan.
Speakers have included Shelby Foote, noted historian
and author; Ken Burns, producer of "The Civil
War"; Emory Thomas, and Pulitzer Prize winners
James McPherson and Doris Kearns Goodwin, among others.
The January meeting is Lee/Jackson Night, when a speaker
discusses one of these famous generals or a related
Southern topic.
Each February, the Barondess/Lincoln Award is presented
to "any person or institution and for any contribution
to the greater appreciation of the life and works
of Abraham Lincoln". Named in memory of Benjamin
Barondess, a charter member of the Round Table; the
award has been presented since 1962. Recipients include
Gore Vidal, Governor Mario Cuomo, Doris Kearns Goodwin,
and this year (2007) Gabor Boritt among many others.
Each May, the Fletcher Pratt Award is presented to
the author or editor of the best non-fiction book
about the Civil War published during the previous
calendar year. Named in memory of Fletcher Pratt,
a journalist, author and charter member of the Round
Table, the award has bee presented since 1956. Recipients
include Bruce Catton, Shelby Foote, and William C.
(Jack) Davis. Also in May, the Round Table conducts
a trip to a Civil War battlefield and related historic
sites.
Each
June, we step back and smell the roses when a group
of youngsters refresh and rededicate our club. They
are the winners of the Gilder/Lehrman Institute's
Civil War High School Essay contest. Our club hosts
the ceremonies, filled with joy, and jointly administers
the prizes.
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