“A Woman, Ain’t I?”

Born a slave in New Paltz, New York, Isabella Baumfree walked away from slavery, and in her travels evolved into Sojourner Truth—maid, laundress, evangelist, abolitionist, and suffragist. In this program, actress Kathryn Woods tells Sojourner Truth’s story in her own words, speeches, and songs.

The Vermont Civil War Songbook

Dressed in period costume, Vermont singer Linda Radtke shares songs popular in Vermont during the Civil War as well as letters from Vermonters from the era. From sentimental songs about the girl back home to satirical ballads, Ms. Radtke traces the evolution of tone in Vermont popular song, from patriotic to elegiac as the war continued. The Vermont Civil War Songbook features the Vermont Historical Society’s sheet music collection.

Photo courtesy
Vermont Historical Society

George Houghton: Vermont’s Civil War Photographer

A hidden treasure of Vermont history is the photographic work completed by Brattleboro photographer George Houghton. He captured poignant shots of Vermont soldiers in the field, in camp, and at home. This program by Rutland Civil War historian Donald Wickman explains some of Houghton’s life and shows a number of the photographic images that brought the Civil War back to Vermont.

Letters to Vermont

In the reporting of Civil War news, American newspapers came of age. Soldiers not only recorded their daily activities in journals and letters; they also shared their experiences in the home press. Thirteen correspondents wrote anonymously to the Rutland Herald from different regions of the U.S. Nearly all the letter writers have been identified. Civil War historian Donald Wickman introduces the audience to the eloquent prose of the writers, and tells of their careers during the war.

Photo courtesy
Francis C. Guber

One Regiment’s Story in the Civil War:
The 9^th Vermont, 1862–1865

From guarding Confederate prisoners incarcerated at Camp Douglas, Illinois, to the woods of coastal North Carolina and finally to the gates of Richmond, the Ninth Vermont Regiment earned a reputation of being well-disciplined and steadfast under fire. Although lacking the renown of other Vermont units, it represented the state well throughout its history. Civil War historian Donald Wickman offers listeners tales of the 9^th Vermont, highlighted by the stories of some of the 1,878 Vermonters who comprised it, as it became one of the most traveled regiments in the Federal army.

“Our faded and torn banners”: Vermont’s Civil War Flags

During the Civil War, flags were the heart and soul of a regiment. Today, the collection of battleflags is one of Vermont’s most important relics of the war. Civil War historian Donald Wickman details the history of these colors and how the state has conserved them for future generations.

Vermont and the Civil War

From Cedar Creek to Gettysburg, Vermonters were central to the Union cause. Vermont author and Civil War historian Howard Coffin addresses the Vermont contribution to the Civil War. He can speak on many aspects of the war, and will be happy to tailor his talk to the interests of your group. Topics include, but are not limited to, Vermont at Gettysburg, Cedar Creek, Lincoln and Vermont, Lincoln as Commander in Chief, Vermont and Grant’s Overland Campaign, and the Vermont Cavalry.

Learn how to book one of these Civil War programs or another Speakers Bureau offering.