Join speaker Dr. Brian Steel Wills as he shares the story of “Civil War in Cinema.” 

Ken Burns once said that the impression made on the American psyche by the Civil War is demonstrated by the many movies that have been made about this war. Several of these movies come to mind from Gone with the Wind to Gettysburg, Glory and The Horse Soldiers among many others. This special event will explore the early and controversial The Birth of a Nation of 1915, through decades of Civil War related films, ending with modern releases like Gods and Generals and Cold Mountain.  Major Dundee which stars Charlton Heston, stands out as one movie to be discussed as Dr. Wills most recent book is titled, Running the Race: The ‘Public Face’ of Charlton Heston.

Dr. Brian Steel Wills is the Director of the Center for the Study of the Civil War Era and Professor of History at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. In addition to leading tours, offering lectures, and conducting programs, Dr. Wills is the award-winning author of numerous works relating to the American Civil War, including biographies of Confederate generals Nathan Bedford Forrest and William Dorsey Pender and Union general George Henry Thomas. He has also written about the Civil War in Virginia and in the movies, as well as a volume that focuses on noncombat deaths in the Civil War. His latest work is Running the Race: The ‘Public Face’ of Charlton Heston.

The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.