15th Anniversary May 6, 2025
BRUNSWICK CIVIL WAR ROUND TABLE
Music and art highlight festive Round Table celebration
The combination of bluegrass music and incredible paintings filled the Generations Church auditorium to a delighted audience at the Brunswick Civil War Round Table’s 15th anniversary celebration this past Tuesday, May 6. The Round Table had a right to be delighted following another successful year of monthly meetings which added over 175 new members for a new total of almost 1,200 members, making this nonprofit organization once again the largest Civil War round table in the country!
The evening’s festivities began with the sounds of Wilmington’s sibling band who call themselves Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers, playing bluegrass and Civil War-era songs. All that foot stomping led to a standing ovation for the four young talented siblings, and set the tempo for the Round Table’s most unique presentation of the season. But first, president John Butler wanted to acknowledge the presence of Wally Rueckel, co-founder and longtime president of the Round Table. Wally, who along with his friend and Civil War enthusiast Tom O’Donnell are the reason for the evening’s celebration!
The main event was a fascinating presentation by guest speaker, Brad Gottfried, Civil War historian, tour guide, and prolific author of 22 books. He spoke on “The Battle of Antietam: Paintings of James Hope,” a Union Captain and professional artist. The auditorium’s huge screens were filled with five enormous 12-foot by 4-foot paintings by Captain Hope. Each painting was so huge they were divided into three 4-foot panels in order for Brad to explain in minute details about every panel’s geography, activities, and personnel involvement. He simply captivated the audience who gained a unique and thorough understanding of what occurred at the Battle of Antietam.
Click here for Slides of BCWRT Volunteers
Click Here for the Flyer for this Event