GCC Civil War Lectures Go On the Road

Three Talks Offered in Hornell this Fall

BATAVIA, NY (08/28/2014)(readMedia)-- The popular Civil War Lecture Series at Genesee Community College goes on the road this fall to the community of Hornell. A slate of three lectures, one each in September, October and November, will be presented at the Hornell Public Library, 64 Genesee Street, Hornell, NY 14843. Each lecture is FREE and open to the public.

The first talk will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.. GCC's own Michael Gosselin presents "A Plain Businessman of the Republic: An English Professor Reads Grant Memoirs." Published by Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant's memoirs are poignant, insightful and even funny. Although a gifted writer, Grant hesitated penning his memoirs but ultimately acquiesced to provide financial security for his family. Join Professor Gosselin as he examines Grant's memoirs for literary value, as well as historical merits.

The Tuesday, October 28 lecture begins at 7:00 p.m. and features Terrianne Schulte of D'Youville College, who will speak about "The Longstreets in War and Peace." The American Civil War affected families throughout the North and South for years after the fighting ended. This talk explores the impact of the war and its aftermath on a well-known and controversial Southern family, the Longstreets, focusing in particular on Confederate General James Longstreet, his second wife, Helen Dortch Longstreet, and his uncle, Judge Augustus Baldwin Longstreet, the author of "Georgia Scenes."

Civil War enthusiast Robert Yott discusses "Lincoln's Other War" on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. In order to preserve the Union, Lincoln had to court the Border States, manage inept or politically ambitious generals and hold the radical faction of his Party at bay. Add to this Lincoln's need to manage the enormous egos in his Cabinet, and it is a wonder Lincoln did not go insane. Join us as we recount his incredible juggling act.

"We're excited to offer these excellent talks in Hornell," said Derek Maxfield, assistant professor of History at GCC and coordinator of the College's Civil War Initiative, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the war (1861-1865). "We began to establish a relationship with Hornell Public Library last year and the talks we presented then were very well received. We're pleased we can continue this outreach."

For more information or to reserve a seat for the talks, contact the Hornell Public Library at 607-324-1210. The lecture series is one of many components of the college's Civil War Initiative (CWI). You can follow all CWI activities at: http://civilwaratgcc.wordpress.com/.

For more information contact Prof. Derek Maxfield at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6288 or ddmaxfield@genesee.edu.

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