Attention: Schedule Update Ahead!

Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable Meeting to Feature Historian Dr. Alex Rossino

On February 25, 2025, at 6 PM, the Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable will welcome historian Dr. Alex Rossino for a special lecture. A well-regarded independent historian and author, Dr. Rossino has significant expertise in the American Civil War, following a nine-year tenure at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Residing in western Maryland, Dr. Rossino has gained recognition for his works, including the novels “Six Days in September” and its sequel, “The Guns of September.” His latest book, “Calamity at Frederick,” published in October 2023, delves into the Lost Orders saga, focusing specifically on the implications of Special Orders No. 191.

Dr. Rossino’s lecture will zero in on the unfortunate loss of these orders, pivotal to the Confederate campaign during the Maryland campaign of 1862. He aims to shed light on the identity of the Confederate messenger responsible for the loss and the document’s discovery by a soldier from the 27th Indiana regiment. This lecture promises to offer fresh insights into circumstances that profoundly influenced the course of the war.

The event will take place in the Copper Auditorium at the Scottsdale Public Library, located at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as doors will open at 5 PM for a chance to meet the speaker, browse an associated book sale, and view historical Civil War videos. Ample free parking is available in the nearby covered garage.

Schedule Update for January Meeting

In a recent change, Gary Gallagher will not be able to attend the scheduled January 21, 2025 meeting due to a mandatory evacuation from his home in Los Angeles amid ongoing fires. Organizers hope for his safety and plan to reschedule his visit for the 2025-26 season.

In his place, Don Frazier will present on “Confederates v. Germans in the Texas Hill Country.” Frazier, who also spoke to the Roundtable in 2020, brings a wealth of knowledge on military history, having authored numerous works on the Civil War in Texas and Louisiana. His research sheds light on the complex interactions between German immigrants and Confederate forces, a lesser-known chapter in Civil War history.

Frazier’s extensive credentials include a fellowship at the United States Military Academy at West Point and a role as Director of The Texas Center at Schreiner University. He is also involved in the Texas 1836 Project and is developing upcoming YouTube content on the Texas Revolution.

The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable welcomes the public to attend these enriching discussions, with additional speaker schedules available on their official website.