
Howard Coffin
A seventh-generation Vermonter, Howard Coffin is the author of four books on the Civil War with a focus on Vermont and the Champlain Corridor.
Vermont sent far more sharpshooters to the Union armies than any other state, on a per capita basis. By the hundreds, Vermont marksmen passed the rigorous marksmanship test to join one of three Vermont companies. And sharpshooters from this state played a little-known but major role at Gettysburg, the great Union victory that changed the Civil War’s course.
Historian Howard Coffin will discuss his recent research into this little -recognized group and consider the reasons why Vermont may have been so well-represented in this elite group of marksmen.
$100 plus mileage
Available in correctional facilities.
First, contact the speaker by clicking on their biography below to confirm their availability and discuss any special arrangements.
Then, click the “Book this Talk!” button below to send a request form to Vermont Humanities. We’ll respond within one week.
PLEASE NOTE: HOWARD COFFIN’S TALKS HAVE BEEN FULLY BOOKED FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2022 AND ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO BE SCHEDULED UNTIL 2023.
1816 has long been known as the year without summer. This talk includes scores of anecdotes about the dark year of failed crops, scarce food, and religious revival.
With nearly 35,000 of Vermont’s able-bodied men at war, the monumental task of keeping more than 30,000 farms in operation became very much a female enterprise during the Civil War.
Historian Howard Coffin will discuss his recent research into this little-recognized group and consider the reasons why Vermont may have been so well-represented in this elite group of marksmen.