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British folklore has it that King Arthur met with his men
at a round table, treating them as equals as they talked about,
well, king stuff. Today, Civil War discussion groups often are
called “round tables.” While members may range from
the professional historian to the beginning re-enactor, and
comprise of both men and women, the talk is open and all opinions
are welcome. While these groups exist throughout the world,
it seems very fitting that this month’s article comes
from a member of a very large and active Civil War Round Table
in England.
Think of Civil War Round Tables and you can probably name quite
a few. If asked to name the oldest ones then you might guess
Chicago (1940), Milwaukee (1947), and Atlanta (1948). But, did
you know the United Kingdom has one of the oldest Round Tables?
The American Civil War Round Table (ACWRT-UK) was formed in
1953 as the “Confederate Research Club” by a small
group of friends with a common interest in the American Civil
War.
Subsequently the club was renamed. Membership grew and grew
and now, in its fifth unbroken decade of existence, it is one
of the longest standing Round Tables in the world. We recently
celebrated its Golden Jubilee, held over a weekend, which attracted
Ed Bearss, Joe Whitehorne and Frank O’Reilly to visit
and attend as speakers. JEB Stuart IV was guest of honour at
our dinner.
The aim of the ACWRT (UK) is to promote and advance interest
in, and knowledge of, the military, naval and civilian history
of the American Civil War 1861-65. Membership stands at nearly
300.
The ACWRT(UK) holds on average six meetings a year, including
an annual luncheon, usually in Central London. The usual format
is for a presentation by a guest speaker or a fellow member
of the Round Table, followed by a question and answer session.
The organisation produces its own magazine, Crossfire,
which is published three times a year. It contains articles
from eminent US Civil war personalities, as well as material
supplied by our own Round Table members.
The society encourages original research into a range of subjects,
in particular the activities of Britons engaged in the War.
We especially inform one another of UK sites with an American
Civil War connection. We have been involved in a number of preservation
projects and we are very active in supporting American Round
Tables to help them to preserve battlefield and heritage sites
in the USA.
The Round Table has recently initiated a $500 challenge –
we promise to raise at least $500 dollars towards a preservation
cause if challenged to do so by another Round Table or preservation
group. We are currently fundraising toward the restoration of
the Confederate 1st National Battle Flag at Stonewall Jackson's
Headquarters Museum in Winchester, Virginia.
For further information about this, our other activities, or
to sample an edition of Crossfire, visit our website
at www.americancivilwar.org.uk
Let me know if you would like to propose a fundraising challenge.
The next could be one that you suggest – please email
greg.bayne@lineone.net.
Thank you Greg, for taking the time from your Round Table activities,
as well as your real job, to share the story of ACWRT-UK with
us.
Greg’s interest in the Civil War started early and came
easily. He spent his early childhood in the US, and his American
father traces his own roots to Virginia. Greg tells us that
while other CWRT members have a variety of regular jobs, their
common interest draws them together to make their lively and
robust group continue to thrive after more than 50 years.
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