About US

It was in May, 2010 when this Round Table held its first meeting. With the planning and start-up decisions agreed to, nervous anticipation set in. According to Civil War enthusiast and co-founder Wally Rueckel, “Tom O’Donnell, my good friend and co-founder in this new venture, had some concerns. Will people show up? Will they enjoy this first program? And, most importantly, will they return for future meetings?” Well, that first meeting was clearly a success. Over 50 people arrived at Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport to hear guest speaker, historian, and author Col. Black Jack Travis discuss “The Guns of Gettysburg.” With a sigh of relief, meetings continued on the first Tuesday of the month ever since, from September through May. And every month this fledgling organization grew and grew, eventually earning the envious reputation of being the largest Civil War round table in the country with almost 1,200 members, and this growth continues today.

Success is never guaranteed. But over time, one realization became clear; the success of this fast-growing organization would be attributed to a combination of exceptional speakers, effective communications, a committed Board of Directors and Advisors, and a strong and growing volunteer corps. Yet audiences were primarily interested in who will be speaking at the next meeting? So, guest speakers became a top priority for success. They were urged to focus on topics that were unique, diverse, and well beyond discussions of battles or tactics. Plus, they should reflect both North and South points-of-view, or said another way, no partiality. Speakers were renowned historians, authors, educators, and Civil War re-enactors.  Importantly, presentations would ideally be captivating and entertaining. No one enjoys a dull presentation.

Speakers in Civil War attire portraying Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Generals A.P. Hill, William Tecumseh Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant fascinated audiences. So did prominent speakers like “living national treasure” Ed Bearss, distinguished national historian James I. (Bud) Robertson, popular local historian and educator Chris Fonvielle, and Site Manager at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, Jim McKee, to name just a few. Others would focus on rarely discussed topics like Civil War communications, railroads, hospitals, logistics, naval battles, prisons, and Civil War heroes and battles that changed the course or outcome of the war. And, no one will ever forget Round Table Director Dr. Max Williams, Professor Emeritus at Western Carolina University, who took center stage at the May 7, 2013 meeting. Max made an impromptu presentation entitled, “Causes of the Civil War” without a note or visual aid when the planned guest speaker was a last minute “no show.” His audience was astonished by his knowledge of Civil War history and flawless delivery, earning him a resounding standing ovation!

Membership loyalty over the years was important. This proved to be the case during the September, 2020 season when COVID forced meetings to be held virtually via ZOOM. Despite a decline in members during that time when groups and audiences were discouraged or forbidden, some Civil War round tables could not sustain their membership bases and had to disband. This Round Table resolved to stay the course via ZOOM, and has since rebounded beyond expectations. In fact, today, if someone cannot attend a meeting in person, live streaming is now available.

Almost from the beginning, the Board of Directors and Advisors sensed they needed to meet the needs and expectations of its members to maintain their interest and involvement.  A monthly newsletter, “Call to Arms” was created. It began as a B/W publication emailed to all members. It has since become a colorful, comprehensive multi-page newsletter to include news, updates, and what’s planned for the future. Over time, a Facebook page was created for Round Table news and updates. Also, this website began, allowing everyone to read about ongoing activities, upcoming events, including a huge photo gallery of past meetings. Periodic on-site tours are scheduled to various Civil War locations which are always well-attended and informative. Another exclusive feature which began in 2013, and designed exclusively for the ladies, was appropriately called the “Civil War Ladies’ Forum.” It became an annual event featuring topics of particular interest to them. Oh, male friends and husbands are not invited! These meetings have been attended by as many as one hundred ladies, both Brunswick Civil War Round Table members and the general public, which by the way, these meetings are usually better attended than most other Civil War round tables.

Another indication of the vitality and dynamics of this thriving non-profit organization is the enthusiasm of over 60 volunteers. They serve numerous meeting functions like greeters at the computerized registration desk, manning the Sutlers and 50/50 tables, the new member sign-up desk, managing the A/V equipment and computer files, and the frequent additional needs as membership growth dictates.

“Giving back” is another goal that was established many years ago. It’s giving back to the community, providing an annual scholarship to a worthy college student, or donations to the more than thirty non-profit organizations supporting Civil War preservation, museums, battlefields, including local historic visitor sites. Funding comes from visitor fees of $10 and the annual membership dues of $25 which can include a spouse. Importantly, annual membership dues have not increased since the first meeting in 2010.

The Round Table’s summer break occurs from June through August. But there is no break for those responsible for booking and confirming quality speakers for the coming season. Or, ongoing communications with its comprehensive publicity network to reach members and the community about what lies ahead beginning every September.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Advisors, and its volunteers, president John Butler extends an invitation to everyone to attend one of our meetings and see firsthand why this dynamic organization is so successful. For additional information, please feel free to contact John at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com. Or, call him personally at (404) 229-9425.