Fairfax Civil War Events, January-March 2014

Living in Northern Virginia I sometimes feel like a spoiled child. On any given day, a museum, historical society, local government, or round table seems to be hosting a Civil War-related event. The Sesquicentennial has only increased the number of exhibitions and lectures available. Of all the local sponsors, the City of Fairfax has an active program of events for Civil War enthusiasts. As readers know, I will be speaking on February 9 about Fairfax's Civil War contraband camps as part of the "Second Sunday" series run by the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. The city is also sponsoring many other events between January and March. Here is a listing:

"Mosby’s Raids in Civil War Northern Virginia," January 25 at 2 p.m. 
Talk and book signing with local author William S. Connery, who explores the Civil War exploits of Confederate Col. John S. Mosby. Venue: Historic Blenheim and Civil War Interpretive Center,  3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax VA 22030.

"Hispanics in the American Civil War," February 22 at 2 p.m. 
Les Albers, U.S. Army veteran and Washington-Lee High School U.S. History teacher, will present a multi-media lesson focusing on the Hispanic participation in the American Civil War. Venue: Historic Blenheim.

"The Civil War Romance of Antonia Ford and Major Joseph C. Willard," March 9 at 2 p.m.
Fairfax Museum Curator Susan Inskeep Gray will tell the story of Antonia Ford, a suspected Confederate spy, and her courtship with Union Army officer Joseph Willard. Venue: Historic Blenheim.

"Confederate Memorial Day in Alexandria from 1866 to the Present," March 22 at 2 p.m.
Talk, book purchase, and signing by local historian and author, Ann Graham, who will trace the roots and continuation of the annual Confederate Memorial Day in Alexandria. Venue: Historic Blenheim.

For more information, see the City of Fairfax website (here). Historic Fairfax City, Inc. also provides event information (here). This year I plan to post more frequently about local Civil War events. With so much happening, I feel that these events sometimes escape people's attention. And as always, I'll report back with my impressions if I am able to attend.