The Bicentennial Lecture on Civil War activities on Morgan County is the first in the series that will be available to a live audience. Steve French delivers the lecture on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Star Theatre.
As with the first two lectures, this will also be live streamed and made into a video.
“We thought it would be appropriate to have the lecture that addresses the event that made Morgan County part of the state on West Virginia Day,” said Jeanne Mozier, co-chair of the Bicentennial Celebration.
Steve French is the award-winning author of four books on the Civil War. He is a graduate of Shepherd College and former Berkeley County teacher. He is scheduled to deliver a second lecture in the series on September 19 when he will talk about the B&O Railroad.
Although Morgan County was not the scene of any major Civil War battles, it certainly had its share of action. From Stonewall Jackson’s Jan. 1862 attack on Berkeley Springs, the frequent Rebel destruction of railroad bridges, and episodes of guerrilla warfare, the conflict caused discord among the people that lasted far after the war.
French’s illustrated talk highlights the important county events and personalities of The War of the Rebellion.
“We’re delighted that this lecture can be live but also that people can make use of the live stream to enjoy the lecture at home,” said Lori Hansroth, manager of the Museum of the Berkeley Springs which is producing the lecture series. “The lectures are being filmed and archived and will be shown at the Courthouse during the Bicentennial.”
The Star Theatre has implemented necessary health and safety procedures for the lecture. Audience will be limited to 100; first come, first served.
Future lectures feature economic topics including railroads, sand mining and innkeeping as well as Daniel Morgan and an overview of county history. Funding for the Bicentennial is provided by Morgan County Commission, Travel Berkeley Springs, WV Humanities, Two Rivers Giving Circle and FAST.
The live stream will be found on the Museum of the Berkeley Springs and the Morgan County WV Bicentennial 2020 Facebook pages which also appear on the county website.
