Check out the programs for two upcoming conferences that will focus heavily on the Civil War, the South, and Virginia history. The first is the Second Annual Virginia Forum which is scheduled for April 13-14 at the Library of Virginia in Richmond. This conference brings together scholars who focus on all areas of Virginia history. I took part last year and had a wonderful time. The American Civil War Center and Virginia Historical Society will host a conference titled “In The Cause of Liberty: How the Civil War Redefined American Values” on March 23-24. Participants include James McPherson, Gary Gallagher, Nina Silber, David L. Lewis and George Rable.
HNN includes two interviews with James McPherson and Eric Foner which were taped at the recent meeting of the AHA in Atlanta. The session was titled “Why I became a historian.” Finally, Chandra Manning will be interviewed today on Civil War Talk Radio followed next week by Gabor Boritt.
Finally, the latest issue of the OAH Magazine of History focuses on Abraham Lincoln. The staff is planning a few issues devoted to Lincoln over the next two years. If you are a high school history teacher I highly recommend subscribing to this publication. The lesson plans are all first-rate and the articles are written by some of the leading scholars in their respective fields.