Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall

Ukulele Strum-Along
2026-01-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Come strum with us! Join Amber Rozel of Steel City Ukuleles for a free introduction to the simple, versatile instrument known as the ukulele. Learn just a few simple chords, and you’ll be able to play hundreds of songs – no prior experience needed, and you don’t need to own your own ukulele! Meet other uke-enthusiasts and join our strum-along group!

The event will start with a special lesson for first-timers at 6:00 PM. If you already know your way around a ukulele, join us at 6:45 to play along!

This group is intended for teens and adults. Registration is appreciated – please click here to register!

Paperback Platoon Book Club: "My Friends"
2026-01-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Calling all women veterans and family members: join us to connect with other women through a love of reading!

Paperback Platoon is a book club for women filled with veterans, service members, and their families. Our goal is to build connection with each other through a shared interest and love for reading. This group meets on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Our title for this meeting is “My Friends” by Fredrik Backman. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Library’s circulation desk.

Join our BookClubs.com page or our Facebook group for more details or to register!

Civil War Gaming: Battle Cry - Devil's Den & Wheatfield
2026-01-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join Pittsburgh wargamers Paul Lawson and Brian Palmer for a free introduction to historical tabletop wargaming! Command your troops and experience the strategy and tactics of the battles that determined our nation’s future.

Today we play through the Devil’s Den & Wheatfield scenario of the game Battle Cry. Battle Cry is a low-complexity wargame published by Avalon Hill and suitable for ages 10+. No experience is necessary. Please join us!

Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register.

2nd Saturday Civil War Series: The George Spangler Farm's Critical Role in the Battle of Gettysburg with Ron Kirkwood
2026-01-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
In Person in the Lincoln Gallery at ACFL&MH

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9370579279Meeting ID: 937 057 9279

Award-winning author and Murrysville-area resident Ron Kirkwood has spent nine years researching the George Spangler farm in Gettysburg and has written two books on it: “Too Much for Human Endurance”: The George Spangler Farm Hospitals and the Battle of Gettysburg, which was published in 2019, and the sequel “Tell Mother Not to Worry”: Soldier Stories from Gettysburg’s George Spangler Farm, in 2024.

Militarily, Kirkwood argues that George Spangler owned the most important farm to the Union victory in the Battle of Gettysburg with its location, roads, size and Powers Hill. Additionally, the farm was of critical importance medically with two major hospitals on the property caring for a total of almost 3,000 men. His presentation focuses on both aspects of the farm, including the heroism and suffering of the men and women in the two hospitals.

Kirkwood received the prestigious 2025 Bachelder-Coddington Distinguished Book Award of the Civil War Roundtable of Gettysburg for “Tell Mother Not to Worry” while “Too Much for Human Endurance” is on the Gettysburg National Military Park’s recommended reading list for anyone studying to be a Licensed Battlefield Guide.

Kirkwood is retired after a 40-year career in newspapers and magazines including USA TODAY, Baltimore Sun and Harrisburg (PA) Patriot-News. Ron edited national magazines for USA TODAY Sports, was NFL editor for USA TODAY Sports Weekly and managed the Harrisburg copy desk when the newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize in 2012. He has returned to his alma mater Central Michigan University as guest speaker to journalism classes as part of the school’s Hearst Visiting Professionals series.

Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble presents "A Very Kyiv Christmas"
2026-01-11 16:00
For all ticket inquiries, contact Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble at (412) 977–2010 or kyivdance01@gmail.com

A Very Kyiv Christmas with Special Guests Nadia Tarnawsky and Alexander Fedoriouk

Join Kyiv and Friends for an afternoon of music and dance from traditional Ukrainian carols to a Kozak-ette Kickline and maybe even a sing-a-long or two! New choreography for the season! Enjoy holiday hors d’oeuvres and a wonderful show.

TICKETS

For all ticket inquiries, contact Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble at (412) 977–2010 or kyivdance01@gmail.com

Prime Stage Theatre presents "The Freedom House Ambulance Service: Putting Local History on the Stage"
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join playwright L.E. McCullough of Prime Stage Theatre for the riveting story of Freedom House Ambulance Service, America’s first mobile EMS, created in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1967 – and a discussion of his new play Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance, running Jan. 23-Feb. 1, 2026 at New Hazlett Theater on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Against odds and adversity, the Black men of Freedom House saved countless lives while inventing an entirely new field of treatment that changed the world of emergency medicine.

Registration for this program is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome as well. Please click here to register.

Time Travelers Historical Fiction Book Club: "The Briar Club"
2026-01-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join our historical fiction book group! We explore different eras of history, share our thoughts and responses, and make new friendships as we share a different historical fiction title each month.

This group meets on the third Thursday of the month at 11:00am.

The title for this meeting will be The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. Copies of the book will be available at the Library’s checkout desk.

Registration is appreciated, but not required – please click here to register.

Pongal Sangamam: A Multicultural Tamil Harvest Celebration
2026-01-17 11:00 - 13:00 | 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, Pennsylvania, 15106, United States
பொங்கலோ பொங்கல்! All are Welcome!

We invite you to join us on Saturday, January 17th for a family-friendly, multicultural Pongal celebration! Registration for this program is appreciated but not required.

Click here to RSVP for this event!

What is Pongal?

Pongal is an indigenous Tamil harvest festival celebrated by Tamils throughout southern India, Sri Lanka, and the worldwide Tamil diaspora. Celebrated over four days, it is a time for communities to come together to honor both nature and agriculture’s bountiful harvests and share in traditional foods, rituals, and art.

How will we celebrate at this event?

Read about Pongal with Persis Naumann, Fulbright scholar and founder of multicultural, bilingual Tamil book publisher Kelir Books

Learn the steps to a traditional dance, as well as a bilingual song in English and Tamil

Enjoy traditional foods

Make Pongal-inspired art such as your very own clay Pongal pot, a sugar scrub, and DIY Pongal stamp art

And much more!

Meeple Meet-Up: Euro-Gaming for Adults
2026-01-17 12:00 - 16:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Do you like Terraforming Mars? Settlers of Catan? Agricola? Ark Nova? Or other “Euro” or Euro-flavored strategy games with wooden meeples, worker placement, tableau building, and so forth? Come to the Library for an afternoon of board gaming!

You can also come if you are interested in learning how to play Euro board games.

This event is for gamers ages 18+.

Registration is not required to attend, but it is recommended, and those who register will get a link to our Discord server for any pre-game day discussions or suggestions. Please click here to register!

Carnegie Carnegie Studio Jazz Series – Lee Robinson & ISKA
2026-01-22 19:00
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Saxophonist Lee Robinson is an accomplished musician from Pittsburgh, having performed worldwide for over 50 years. He blends his improvisational jazz rhythms with funk, fusion, original compositions, contemporary music, and classical influences.Lee has collaborated with poets, actors, and visual artists, appeared as a street saxophonist in the movie “Cemetery Club,” and composed the original score for the PBS documentary “JOBS: A Way Out.” For the last 15 years, he has also served as the resident musician at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.Lee’s group, ISKA, features some of the region’s most innovative musicians, including:Mark Leonard on drumsJoe DeFazio on keyboardsMichael Gudbaur on bassLee Robinson on saxophonesTo learn more about Lee and listen to his music, visit his website at www.leerobinsonmusic.com.Beer and wine by monetary donation (ages 21+). Outside alcohol/BYOB is not permitted.Doors open at 6:30 pm || Concert begins at 7:00 pm

TICKETS:$22 General Admission$20 Senior Citizen (65+)$10 Under 18 & Students w/ IDAll ticket sales are final.

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Palestine: History, Culture, and Faith
2026-01-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join Ray Milhem for an exploration of the land of Palestine, holy to the world’s three great monotheistic religions. Come learn about the distinct geographic regions of Palestine; how language and culture have defined its inhabitants; and the millennia-old history of this region, from prehistory to the modern day.

Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register!

Craft Night at the Movies with Carnegie Crafters: "The Princess Diaries" (2001)
2026-01-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Calling all knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and fiber artists of every kind! Come join the Carnegie Crafters! We share advice and inspiration, chat with new friends, and work on our projects in a supportive group setting.

Tonight, join us for a Craft Night at the Movies! Enjoy crafting while we watch The Princess Diaries (2001), with Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the movie will start at 7:00 PM.

No craft? No problem! You are welcome to join, but keep in mind that that the lights will be on. Please email carnegiecrafters@gmail.com with any questions.

Registration is not required – all are welcome!

"That Beast Was Not Me": An author visit with Jeffrey Smalldon
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
As a forensic psychologist, Dr. Jeffrey Smalldon has shared conversations with some of the most notorious murderers in modern American history – including Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and John Wayne Gacy, to name a few. He has evaluated more than 1,000 murderers and consulted on close to 300 death penalty cases, and has appeared on 60 Minutes II, Larry King Live, 48 Hours, Good Morning America, and Connie Chung Tonight.

Tonight, he presents stories from his memoir, That Beast Was Not Me: One Forensic Psychologist, Five Decades of Conversations with Killers. Join us to hear about his fascinating five decades immersed in the world of true crime. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event from Woolly Bear Books and Gifts.

Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register.

Community Blood Drive with Vitalant
2026-01-28 11:00 - 16:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Be part of the solution with Vitalant’s community blood drive!

We’re wishing our donors a prosperous 2026! To give you a head start, 26 will win a special thank-you gift. Your donation gets you 26 chances to win a $500 Rewards gift card! (Opt-in required – see more details here.)

Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Click here to reserve an appointment slot.

Questions? Please call Kathy from Vitalant at 412-444-6563.

Free Legal Advice Clinic with the Allegheny County Bar Foundation's Pro Bono Center
2026-01-29 16:30 - 18:30 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join us for a Free Legal Advice Clinic on Thursday, January 29th, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM!

Attorneys from the Allegheny County Bar Foundation’s Pro Bono Center will be available for thirty-minute appointments to provide free legal advice.

To request an appointment, please call the library directly at 412-276-3456, or email Library Director Walker Evans. Please be prepared to share your name, contact information, and the topic of your legal questions.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait to schedule your appointment! We look forward to seeing you on January 29th!

Carnegie Modular Railroaders present: Kevin Davis of the Lionel Collectors Club of America
2026-01-31 13:30 - 15:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
Join the Carnegie Modular Railroaders for a special guest event with Kevin Davis, President-Elect of the Lionel Collectors Club of America!

Kevin will share his experiences and lessons learned from building over 100 model railroad modules. We’ll learn more about getting started with model railroading; discuss family and kids’ involvement in the hobby; and share some pointers on layout design and construction basics. A Q&A will follow – bring your curiosity and questions!

This is an in-person meeting, with Kevin appearing by Zoom. All ages are welcome. Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please click here to register.

The Carnegie Modular Railroaders meet one Saturday a month at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. For more information, please contact Nick Yackovich at 412-667-0929 or nicholas.yackovich@comcast.net.

Carnegie Carnegie Studio Jazz Series - Chantal Joseph
2026-02-05 19:00
TICKETS

Chantal Joseph is a dynamic vocalist whose performances are known for their intensity, emotional range, and commanding stage presence. Drawing comparisons to powerhouse artists like Tina Turner and Stephanie Mills, Chantal brings a high-energy approach rooted in classic soul and jazz while firmly grounded in the present.For Chantal, music is a lifelong journey. Her career has included studio and stage collaborations with artists such as Kenny Loggins, Dwayne Dolphin, and Roger Humphries. Her current work reflects a clear artistic focus: honoring the expressiveness and sensuality of earlier generations while pushing forward with a distinctly contemporary voice.Rejecting trends in favor of authenticity, Chantal’s performances are driven by raw energy, fearless delivery, and a deep connection to the music. Each appearance is an invitation to experience an artist fully committed to her craft and to the moment she shares with her audience.Beer and wine by monetary donation (ages 21+). Outside alcohol/BYOB is not permitted.Doors open at 6:30 pm || Concert begins at 7:00 pm

TICKETS:$22 General Admission$20 Senior Citizen (65+)$10 Under 18 & Students w/ IDAll ticket sales are final.

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2nd Saturday Civil War Series: Faces of Civil War Nurses - Portraits, Photography, and the Making of Caregiving History, with Ron Coddington
2026-02-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
In Person in the Lincoln Gallery at ACFL&MH

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9370579279Meeting ID: 937 057 9279

Portrait photographs of women who served as caregivers offer rare, powerful evidence of how Americans understood nursing during the Civil War. These images—made possible by rapidly evolving photographic technology—capture not only grit and determination, but intention: how women presented themselves, how they wished to be seen, and how caregiving entered the visual record of war. By studying these portraits alongside contemporary writing and context, this presentation explores what these women wore, why they served, and how photography helps us rethink who qualified as a Civil War nurse.

Ron Coddington began collecting Civil War–era portrait photography as a teenager, launching a lifelong pursuit to uncover images of men and women and tell their stories. His research has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and a series of books published by Johns Hopkins University Press, including Faces of Civil War Nurses, which inspired this traveling exhibit. His most recent book is Gettysburg Faces (Gettysburg Publishing). Ron is the editor and publisher of Military Images, a quarterly magazine founded in 1979 and dedicated to the study and preservation of historic photographs. He has more than 40 years of experience as a journalist at USA TODAY, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The San Jose Mercury News, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Faces of Civil War Nurses: An Exhibit
2026-02-14 13:00 - 2026-05-09 13:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
In partnership Military Images magazine and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall is proud to welcome a new temporary exhibit, “Faces of Civil War Nurses,” featuring portraits and personal stories of women who served as nurses during the Civil War. The exhibit first debuted in 2025 at the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum in Washington, DC.

It is estimated that over 20,000 women served as volunteer nurses during the war, enduring long hours and multiple tours of duty across both front-line battlefields and at numerous hospitals and communities across the country. Forbidden from serving in “indelicate” medical settings at the outset of the Civil War, women quickly broke down social conventions in caring for the sick and wounded, risking both disease and the brutal realities of war. These women provided invaluable aid, from changing bandages and cooking food to comforting the dying, and innumerable other tasks.

“During the Civil War, thousands of courageous women stepped beyond traditional roles to serve as nurses, caring for the wounded and sick in the chaos of war’s brutal realities. In this exhibit, you’ll stand face to face with life-sized portraits of 20 of these intrepid pioneers who shaped the future of nursing and redefined the role of women in American society,” said Military Images Editor and Publisher Ron Coddington. “This is a rare glimpse into their resilience, sacrifice, and humanity.”

The exhibit will be on display in the Lincoln Gallery at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall through May 9. The building is open Mondays from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Tuesdays – Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For questions, please contact Espy Post Curator Jon-Erik Gilot at gilotj@carnegiecarnegie.org.

Mardi Gras 2026 with Phat Man Dee
2026-02-17 19:00
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Put on your beads and gather your krewe! It’s that time of year again—Mardi Gras is here! This beloved festival, rich in history and full of flavor, invites revelers from all walks of life to join in a celebration like no other. And who better to guide us through this vibrant experience than the one and only Phat Man Dee? With her infectious energy and passion for music that embodies the spirit of New Orleans, she’s ready to show you how to fully embrace this lively occasion. Prepare to indulge in delicious treats, dance like nobody’s watching, and discover how Phat Man Dee turns every moment into an extravaganza worthy of this iconic festival! Let’s celebrate together!Phat Man Dee – cosmic jazz cabaret vocalist, bandleader: Phat Man Dee (she/they) is an accomplished and award-winning jazz singer, music producer, and music educator with a diverse range of talents. Voted Number 1 Best Jazz Artist in the Pittsburgh City Paper Readers Poll for multiple years, she captivates audiences as a jazz vocalist, bandleader, songwriter, and recording artist. Read more…Beer and wine by monetary donation (ages 21+). Outside alcohol/BYOB is not permitted.Doors open at 6:30 pm || Concert begins at 7:00 pm

TICKETS:$32 General Admission$30 Senior Citizen (65+)$35 at the DoorAll ticket sales are final.

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Carnegie Carnegie Backbeat Series - L.D.D.
2026-02-26 19:00
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The new Backbeat Series features pop, rock, and roots artists in an intimate concert setting, highlighting musicianship, energy, and live performance at its core.L.D.D. features guitarist Mark Lucas, vocalist Kelly Dailey, and percussionist Subha Das. Together, they deliver a groove driven rock sound shaped by strong musicianship, tight arrangements, and an engaging stage presence.Known for their polished performances and focused repertoire, L.D.D. blends driving rhythms and expressive vocals into a live set that feels cohesive and intentional. Their sound draws from rock and roots influences while remaining clear, dynamic, and audience-centered. L.D.D. brings a live concert experience defined by energy, precision, and musical chemistry.Beer and wine by monetary donation (ages 21+). Outside alcohol/BYOB is not permitted.Doors open at 6:30 pm || Concert begins at 7:00 pmTICKETS:$15 General Admission$12 Students & Senior Citizen (65+)All ticket sales are final.

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1861: Small Battles, Big Outcomes: A Civil War Symposium
2026-04-17 15:00 - 2026-04-18 16:00 | Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA, 15106, United States
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The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall is pleased to announce our eighth annual Civil War Symposium, slated for April 17 – 18, 2026. Though overlooked in favor of later years and larger battles, the first year of the Civil War witnessed many advances and setbacks, trials and tribulations, personalities and decisions that affected how the remainder of the war came to be fought. In 1861: Small Battles, Big Outcomes, seven dynamic historians will unpack the military, political, and social threads of this pivotal year in our nation’s history.

Tickets are available for $100.00 until April 06, 2026, or sold out. Seating is limited, and previous years have sold out, so please don’t wait to reserve your seat. The ticket price includes light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar on Friday evening, breakfast refreshments, a boxed lunch, and snacks on Saturday.

In partnership with Military Images Magazine and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, the Faces of Civil War Nurses photo exhibit will be onsite, bringing to life the remarkable images and stories of twenty Civil War nurses.

Representatives from Arsenal Cider – Pittsburgh’s Civil War-themed hard cider distillery – will be on hand Friday evening for tastings and bottle sales. Ongoing tours of The Captain Thomas Espy Post will be available, as well as raffles, a Civil War book sale, and author book signings.

Symposium proceeds help to preserve the priceless artifacts in the Captain Thomas Espy Grand Army of the Republic Post and supports our monthly Civil War programming at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.

ACFL&MH is grateful to Civil War Trails and Civil War Roundtable Congress for their sponsorship and ongoing support of our Civil War symposium!

Please contact Espy Post Curator, Jon-Erik Gilot, at gilotj@carnegiecarnegie.org with any questions.

Speakers:

Rich Condon – The Year of Jubilee: The Battle for Port Royal and the Birth of ReconstructionRich Condon is a public historian and park ranger from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He holds a B.A. in Public History from Shepherd University and is currently pursuing an M.A. in American History through Gettysburg College. For over a decade, he held positions at a variety of sites and organizations, including the Battle of Franklin Trust, Flight 93 National Memorial, Catoctin Mountain Park, and the newly established Reconstruction Era National Historical Park. Rich has published articles with Civil War Times Magazine, The Civil War Monitor, The American Battlefield Trust, as well as Emerging Civil War, and manages the Civil War Pittsburgh blog.

Rich will be speaking on the November 1861 battle of Port Royal, South Carolina, and the legacy of the Port Royal Experiment.

Chris Mackowski – The Battle of Belmont and the Rise of Ulysses S. Grant

Chris Mackowski, Ph.D., is a Copie Hill Civil War Fellow at the American Battlefield Trust and editor-in-chief and co-founder of Emerging Civil War. He is the series editor of the award-winning Emerging Civil War Series, and author, co-author, or editor of more than twenty-five books. Chris is a professor of journalism and mass communication in the Jandoli School of Communication at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York, and historian-in-residence at Stevenson Ridge, a historic property on the Spotsylvania battlefield in central Virginia.

Chris will be speaking on the November 1861 battle of Belmont, Missouri, Ulysses S. Grant’s first battle of the Civil War, and how Grant’s experience at Belmont shaped the remainder of his service.

Mark Maloy –The Severest Struggle of His Life: Robert E. Lee’s Decision at Arlington HouseMark Maloy holds an undergraduate degree in History from the College of William and Mary, and a graduate degree in History from George Mason University. He is the author of two books in the Emerging Revolutionary War Series and regularly leads Revolutionary War battlefield tours. He currently works as a historian for the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which administers important historic sites such as Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial.

Mark will discuss the motives and factors behind Robert E. Lee’s pivotal April 1861 resignation from the United States Army, and the impact of Lee’s decision on both sides of the conflict.

Rob Orrison – “The Potomac Will be Effectively Closed”: Early Actions on the Potomac RiverRob Orrison received his Bachelor’s in Historic Preservation at Longwood University and a Master’s in Public History from George Mason University. He currently serves as director for the Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation. He has published books for the Emerging Civil War Series, the Emerging Revolutionary War Series, and numerous other publications.

Rob will examine the skirmishes, battles, and personalities relating to the Confederate efforts to blockade the Potomac River from July 1861 – March 1862.

Ryan Quint – The Battle of Dranesville: December 20, 1861

A native of Maine, Ryan Quint holds a degree in History from the University of Mary Washington. He is the author of numerous publications, including Dranesville: A Northern Virginia Town in the Crossfire of a Forgotten Battle. Today, he works as a park ranger at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Ryan will speak on the December 1861 battle of Dranesville, an early Federal victory during an otherwise bleak year of the war, highlighting the experiences of Pittsburgh’s soldiers in the Pennsylvania Reserves during the battle.

Phil Spaugy – Arming the Boys of ’61: The Origins, Differences, and Challenges of Arming Union Soldiers

Phil Spaugy recently retired from a long career in aviation services. A lifelong student of the Civil War, he is the former national commander of the North South Skirmish Association and today serves as a senior editor for Military Images Magazine, a columnist for Civil War Monitor, and an advisor for Gettysburg History (Adams County Historical Society).

Phil’s talk will examine the challenges encountered in arming and equipping Union soldiers in 1861. This lecture will include an exhibit of more than a dozen original longarms issued to soldiers during the first year of the war.

Melissa A. Winn – Healing Open Wounds: How First Manassas Transformed Medical Care

Melissa Winn serves today as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Previously, she worked as marketing manager at the American Battlefield Trust, and director of photography for HistoryNet. She received a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin and has written for and published articles in multiple trade and commercial publications for more than 20 years.

Melissa’s talk will unpack the many innovations spawned by the lack of preparedness for a battle of the scale of the one fought in July 1861 at Manassas, including the triage system, nursing corps, civilian aide groups, medical recordkeeping, and vast improvements in medical care.

Emerging Civil War Podcast Historians Panel – Moderated by Chris Mackowski

Chris Mackowski will emcee a free-wheeling discussion among our historians of all things 1861. The conversation will be recorded for the Emerging Civil War Podcast, with questions and audience participation encouraged!

Schedule of Events:

Friday, April 17:

Doors Open, Registration – 3:00 – 4:00PMEspy Post Tours, Book Sale, Raffle, Exhibits – 3:00 – 9:00PMOpening Remarks – 4:00 – 4:15PMPhil Spaugy – 4:15 – 5:15PMRefreshments, Cash Bar, Arsenal Cider – 5:15 – 6:30PMRich Condon – 6:30 – 7:30PMHistorian’s Panel Discussion – 7:45 – 8:45PMSaturday, April 18:

Registration & Refreshments – 8:15 – 9:15AMEspy Post Tours, Book Sale, Raffle, Exhibits – 8:15 – 4:15PMRyan Quint – 9:15 – 10:15AMBREAK – 10:15 – 10:30AMRob Orrison – 10:30 – 11:30AMLUNCH – 11:30 – 12:45PMChris Mackowski – 12:45 – 1:45PMBREAK – 1:45 – 2:00PMMelissa A. Winn – 2:00 – 3:00PMBREAK – 3:00 – 3:15PMMark Maloy – 3:15PM – 4:15PM

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Lodging & Travel:

For those traveling from outside the area, please be aware that there are no hotels in Carnegie proper. Even so, there are many hotel options in the immediate area. We suggest looking at available hotels in nearby Green Tree, Bridgeville, Settlers Ridge, Southpointe, and Canonsburg.The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall is located at 300 Beechwood Avenue in downtown Carnegie, Pennsylvania. We are just one mile off Interstate 79, and approximately five miles south of downtown Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh International Airport is located 13 miles from Carnegie.

Symposium Sponsors:

Civil War Trails, the world’s largest open-air museum, includes more than 1,500 sites across six states, putting you in the footsteps of Civil War generals, freedom-fighters, and tenacious women. Follow the great campaigns turn-by-turn, take a historic hike, and explore beautiful downtowns. Snap a sign selfie along the way! Request your brochure today at civilwartrails.org, and create some history of your own.

The mission of the CWRT CONGRESS is to inspire Civil War Round Table leaders to adapt, adopt, and maintain strategies for sustainability. CWRT Congress is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to assisting Civil War Round Tables around the world to become sustainable. CWRTC does not have memberships, does not charge dues, and is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers who have consulted and inspired nonprofits, for-profits and governmental entities to become successful. Find more information their website.

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