Redlands’ Lincoln Shrine and Civil War groups present historian program on ‘Slavery and Secession’ – Redlands Daily Facts

The Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands, in cooperation with the Inland Empire Civil War Round Table and the African Americans in the Civil War Era Round Table, presents “Slavery and Secession” by Dwight Pitcaithley, former chief historian of the National Park Service, on June 26 at 6 p.m. at the Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands.

Pitcaithley, now a history professor at New Mexico State University, will summarize his two-decade study of the official records of the 1860-61 secession movement and answer the question of why the South seceded, according to a press release. Those records include speeches and debates by elected officials printed in the Congressional Globe, minutes of state legislatures and secession conventions, and the Washington Peace Conference.

“Having been involved in the world of public history for decades, I am pleased to say that Dwight Pitcaithley possesses a rare combination of wit, deep knowledge, humor, focus and passion,” said Bill Gwaltney, chairman of the African Americans in the Civil War Era Round Table, in the press release.

The program is free and open to the public and will also be available on Zoom. A link can be found on lincolnshrine.org under “News & Events.”

For program information, call the Heritage Room at AK Smiley Public Library at 909-798-7632 or email [email protected].

Information about Pitcaithley, the Inland Empire Civil War Round Table, and the African Americans in the Civil War Era Round Table can be found at lincolnshrine.org.