Welcome to our 2025 - 2026 Civil War Lecture Series

 Craig Breneiser has a life-long interest in the study of the Civil War since his first trip to Gettysburg in 1963. He is the past president of the First Defenders Civil War Round Table of Berks County (PA), has presented a variety of programs to different groups and edited two period books. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with degrees in broadcast journalism and public administration, Craig is formerly the Berks County 911  director and continues to consult and provide project management for public-safety services. He resides with his wife, Lisa, in Lehigh County, PA.

Following Ambrose Burnside’s tragic performance at the head of the Army of the Potomac, President Abraham Lincoln relegated him to a backwater command of the Department of the Ohio. In short order, Burnside would see fit to arrest Ohio Congressman Clement Vallandigham and begin to suppress newspapers, most notably the Chicago Times, for their anti-war speeches and articles. This would result in new headaches for the beleaguered president that threatened to derail his fragile coalition and impact his planned 1864 re-election. In many ways, Ambrose Burnside was a likable man who could not help becoming a tragic hero in the struggle for the Union, and this program explores one of his lesser-known, well-meaning actions that would become another unforced career blunder. During the Civil War, Union General Ambrose Burnside significantly challenged First Amendment rights by issuing General Order No. 38 in 1863, which criminalized "disloyal" speech in the Department of the Ohio. His actions, including arresting Congressman Clement Vallandigham and suppressing newspapers like the Chicago Times, led to intense debates over free speech

Mike Monroe  portrays  a "spirit guide" or historical figure in Gettysburg related to the National Soldiers’ Orphans' Homestead. The National Soldiers' Orphans' Homestead, located at 777 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, opened in October 1866 as a home and school for children orphaned by the Civil War. It operated until 1878 when it became infamous for the abuse inflicted on children by headmistress Rosa Carmichael in the 1870s, which led to its closure. Today, the building is a known haunted landmark and a site for tours

Steve Cowie earned a degree from California State University, Long Beach. As part of the Los Angeles film industry, he penned spec screenplays and sold his award-winning short film "Lola" to the Sundance Channel. A lifelong student of the Civil War, Cowie dedicated fifteen years to exclusively researching the Battle of Antietam. "When Hell Came to Sharpsburg" is his first book. He has also written for North & South Magazine, HistoryNet, Crossfire Magazine (UK), The Antietam Journal, and Civil War Times.

 The Daughters of Charity from Emmitsburg, Maryland, were among the first to provide relief after the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, with roughly 16 to 40 sisters tending to wounded soldiers from both sides. They established makeshift hospitals in locations like the Gettysburg Hotel, churches, and the Lutheran Seminary, offering, bandages, food, and spiritual comfort.

Dominish Marie Miller is the Third Circuit Court of Appeals Librarian for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the founder of Preserving the History of Newberrytown, and runs the Lewisberry Area History Lovers group. She serves as Librarian and Volunteer Information Specialist (VIS) Chair for the Harrisburg Chapter, NSDAR and is a founding board member of the Newberrytown Special Events Committee.

Domi is also a reenactor with the 87th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C where she portrays a private. She is the author of two cookbooks, “Preserving the History of Newberrytown: A Community Cookbook From the Cooks of Newberrytown, Pennsylvania,” 2021, volumes 1 and 2. Also, authored “ Preserving the History of Newberrytown Then and Now: A Pictorial View Of A Changing Town.”

Seton Shrine https://setonshrine.org/civil-war-tour/

 Tom Hansen is a Corry, Pennsylvania-based historical re-enactor who has portrayed Union Colonel Strong Vincent for over 12 years, specializing in first-person interpretations of the Civil War hero from the Battle of Gettysburg. Hansen's portrayal highlights Vincent's critical decision to break the chain of command at the Battle of Gettysburg to secure Little Round Top.  As "Colonel Vincent," Hansen describes the sensory details of battle, including the smoke, smell of black powder, and the cries of wounded soldiers. His portrayal emphasizes duty, with Hansen (as Vincent) stating, "I just know that if I lived or if I died, I was doing my duty for the country. The country came first to me".  Hansen frequently highlights that Vincent was mortally wounded while holding the line, was promoted to Brigadier General on his deathbed, and died five days after the battle.