Southern Indiana Civil War Roundtable

News & Events

In Memoriam: William Powell “Bill” Hale (1944–2025)

The Southern Indiana Civil War Roundtable mourns the passing of our long-time member and past president, William Powell “Bill” Hale. Bill died on September 4, 2025, at the age of 81, following a brief illness.

Bill was born on July 22, 1944, in Olney, Maryland, the son of the late William P. Jr. and Alice Rebecca (Fletcher) Hale. After graduating from Oak Ridge High School in Tennessee, he pursued higher education at Transylvania University, East Tennessee State University, and later earned a master’s degree from Ball State University. He dedicated more than three decades to education with the Franklin County Community School Corporation, where he taught science, history, and geography, shaping the lives of countless students.

Bill joined the Roundtable many years ago, and his knowledge, energy, and leadership enriched our community. As past president, he worked tirelessly to promote historical understanding and foster fellowship among members. Beyond scholarship, Bill was an active Civil War reenactor, bringing history to life for new generations.

Together with his late wife, Gretchen, Bill traveled widely—47 states and six continents—embracing a spirit of curiosity and adventure that also animated his love of history. He was deeply rooted in Franklin County, where he lived for more than 50 years, and he remained active in his church, professional associations, and community life.

Bill is survived by his children, Stephen Hale of Norfolk, Virginia, and LeAnna Matsey of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; his siblings, Bruce Hale of Clinton, Tennessee, and Barbara Hale Brooks of Atlanta, Georgia; as well as many friends, colleagues, and fellow history enthusiasts.

We will remember Bill for his dedication to learning, his generosity of spirit, and his passion for preserving the lessons of the past. The Roundtable extends its deepest condolences to his family. His absence will be keenly felt, but his legacy endures in the lives he touched and the history he so loved.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Boundless Ways of Grace Church in Metamora, Indiana.

August Meeting: George Payne and the Sand Creek Massacre

On Thursday, August 21, at 7:00 p.m., the Southern Indiana Civil War Round Table welcomes George Payne for a compelling program on the March 1862 Battle of Glorieta Pass in the New Mexico Territory. Often called the “Gettysburg of the West,” this pivotal clash elevated the reputation—and inflated the ego—of Colonel John M. Chivington, commander of the U.S. Colorado Volunteers. That rise to prominence set the stage for one of the darkest episodes of the American frontier: the Sand Creek Massacre of November 29, 1864. Backed by territorial governor John Evans, Chivington ordered 700 soldiers to attack a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho encampment, an atrocity that ignited Indian wars lasting a decade beyond the Civil War.

The Southern Indiana Civil War Round Table is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the U.S. Civil War and the lives it touched. Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police, 801 Court St., Evansville, Indiana. All lectures are free and open to the public.

September Meeting: Lew Wallace and the Montgomery Guards

Join us on September 18th as the Southern Indiana Civil War Roundtable welcomes Thomas R. Meeks Jr., Associate Director of the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum, for an insightful presentation, “Lew Wallace and the Montgomery Guards: Preparing Indiana for War”

Thomas Meeks will explore the crucial decade of the 1850s, highlighting Lew Wallace’s transformation from a frustrated lawyer into a dedicated military leader. Wallace foresaw the coming storm of the Civil War and took decisive action by founding the Montgomery Guards, turning a casual local militia into one of Indiana’s most disciplined Zouave-style units. Learn how their skillful participation in state-wide parades and drilling competitions propelled Wallace into his role as Indiana’s Adjutant General at the outset of war.

We will also reflect upon the wartime service and enduring legacy of the men who proudly served under Wallace’s command. Don’t miss this fascinating exploration of local history and leadership at our September gathering!

Date: September 18, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Evansville Fraternal Order of Police, 801 Court St, Evansville, Indiana 47708

All lectures are free and open to the public. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. We look forward to seeing you there!

Eddie Price Joins Us

The next meeting of the Southern Indiana Civil War Roundtable is Thursday, July 17th, at 7:00 p.m. at FOP Lodge #73 located at 801 Court Street, in Evansville, Indiana.

Our Program will be provided by teacher, historian, and accomplished writer, Eddie Price. Eddie presented a program a few years ago to our roundtable on the US Ironclad Monitor, and the Union brown water navy. Since then, he has been busy! In addition to his previously published historical fiction books: Widder’s Landing: Life and Love on the Kentucky Frontier; and One Drop – A Slave!; both of which have received awards and have been very well received, he has written several award winning Children’s books. His latest publication is Rebels Abroad, a historical fiction book about Irish Indentured Servants in America.

We have invited Eddie to bring copies of his novels and children’s books and make them available for sale and to be signed. Looking for a gift for the Grandkids? Don’t forget your checkbook.

June 2025 Meeting Announced

Join us for the June 2025 Civil War Roundtable Meeting on Thursday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m., hosted at the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police (801 Court St, Evansville, Indiana 47708). We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lucas Wilder, an accomplished historian and seasoned National Park Service interpretive ranger, who will deliver a captivating first-person portrayal of Confederate cavalry legend JEB Stuart.

Raised in the Appalachian Mountains, Dr. Wilder developed a profound interest in the region’s Civil War history, earning degrees from Lincoln Memorial University, East Tennessee State University, and Mississippi State University. His groundbreaking dissertation examined mountain warfare and analyzed the pivotal role the Appalachian environment played in military campaigns in East Tennessee.

Dr. Wilder is widely known for his dynamic YouTube channel, History Gone Wilder, which boasts nearly 700 videos, 1 million hours of watch time, and over 8 million views. Through detailed battle animations, book reviews, interviews, and scholarly deep dives, Wilder makes complex historical events accessible and engaging to the public.

In his compelling presentation, Dr. Wilder brings JEB Stuart vividly to life, sharing thrilling tales of cavalry charges, poignant moments of loss, and insights into Stuart’s enduring friendships with iconic Confederate figures such as Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and Robert E. Lee. Don’t miss this chance to journey back in time and experience history brought brilliantly to life.

March 2025 Meeting Announced

Join the Southern Indiana Civil War Roundtable (SICWRT) on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. for an engaging presentation by historian and author Kevin McCray. The meeting will take place at the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police (801 Court Street, Evansville, IN).

McCray’s lifelong passion for the Civil War began in the early 1960s during the conflict’s centennial, sparked by a gift from his father—The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War. A dedicated researcher and writer, he has authored multiple works, including A Shouting of Orders, a history of the 99th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and his latest book, Without Bugle or Drum.

In this presentation, McCray will explore the forgotten battles of Milton’s Vaught’s Hill and Liberty’s Snow Hill, fought in Middle Tennessee in March and April 1863 during the longest period of inactivity in the war. These engagements, involving Confederate cavalry commander John Hunt Morgan, played a crucial yet often overlooked role in the Union’s efforts to hold ground after the Battle of Stones River. Through firsthand accounts, McCray brings these battles to life and examines their impact on the larger conflict in the region.

This event is free and open to the public. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a distinguished Civil War historian and deepen your understanding of this pivotal time in American history!

September 2024 Guest Announced

Our guest at the meeting on September 19th will be Dr. Lucas Wilder. Dr. Wilder was born in Lee County Virginia at the base of the Cumberland Mountain, about 10 miles from the historic Cumberland Gap. His proximity to this historic location and his family’s military history fueled his love of history. Lucas began his academic journey at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, where he received his associates degree. Then, Lincoln Memorial University awarded him a full academic scholarship to attend their institution and he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in history. He received his master’s degree from East Tennessee State University and then proceeded to Mississippi State University for his PhD, where he graduated in May 2022. His nodes of excellence at Mississippi State focused on American Military History and Environmental History. Both of those concentration took center stage in his research of Appalachia and its significance during the American Civil War. With his education in history, he runs a successful YouTube Channel entitled History Gone Wilder, which can be accessed by going to Historygonewilder.com.

February 2024 Meeting

Join us at the February meeting of the Southern Indiana Civil War Roundtable (SICWRT) for an engaging evening of history and discovery. Our gathering takes place on the third Thursday of the month, February 15th, at 7:00 p.m., hosted at the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police, located at 801 Court St, Evansville, Indiana 47708. This event is free and open to all who share an interest in the Civil War and its enduring impact.

This month, we are honored to feature Charles Rebesco, a passionate Civil War historian and licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park, presenting “Last Men Standing—the 20th Indiana Infantry.” The 20th Indiana Infantry, often overlooked in the annals of the Army of the Potomac, played a crucial role in many key Eastern Theater campaigns, with the notable exception of Antietam. Despite the participation of 2,000 Indiana soldiers at Gettysburg, the men of the 20th Indiana remain among the least recognized. Their story is overshadowed, lost amidst the chaos of the 3rd Corps’ tribulations and the famed sites of battle like the Wheatfield and Devil’s Den. Yet, their valiant stand on July 2nd challenges our understanding of the 3rd Corps and marks them as truly “the last men standing.”

Charles Rebesco, a retired pulmonologist with over 40 years of residence in Northwest Indiana, brings a general interest in Civil War history to life with his insights and stories. Since 2018, he has served as a guide at Gettysburg, enriching visitors’ understanding of the battlefield and its heroes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the forgotten tales of the 20th Indiana Infantry, exploring their unique contribution and valor at Gettysburg. Engage with fellow history enthusiasts and uncover the layers of our past that continue to shape our understanding of the Civil War.

January 2024 Meeting: Folk Duo Ro & Sco

The Southern Indiana Civil War Round Table (SICWRT) is thrilled to announce a special program featuring the celebrated folk music duo, Ronda Haley and Scott Conner, known collectively as Ro & Sco. This event is scheduled for the third Thursday, January 18, at 7:00 p.m., at the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police, 801 Court St, Evansville, Indiana.

Renowned for their dynamic performances, Ro & Sco bring a blend of traditional, Americana, and Civil War-era music, alongside their interpretations of holiday, modern, and classical pieces. Ronda, who began her musical journey in 2006, and Scott, who has been playing since 2000, have found a unique synergy in their duet, which began in 2016. Their collaboration has become a standout feature in the dulcimer community.

The evening promises a captivating mix of familiar and lesser-known Civil War songs, each enriched with a deep historical context. Attendees will be transported through time, experiencing the emotions and stories that these songs carry – a testament to the power of music in capturing the essence of an era.

This event is part of the SICWRT’s ongoing commitment to preserving and presenting the intricate tapestry of the U.S. Civil War history. The SICWRT is a beacon for those interested in exploring the multifaceted narratives of one of the most defining periods in American history.

The program is free and open to the public, inviting enthusiasts and newcomers alike to delve into an evening of musical storytelling that transcends the ages.

An Evening with Historian Jerry T. Wooten – Exploring a Pivotal Civil War Battle

The Southern Indiana Civil War Roundtable cordially invites you to an engaging evening with historian Jerry T. Wooten. Our guest speaker event will be held on November 16th, starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police, located at 801 Court St, Evansville, Indiana 47708. This event is free and open to the public.

About Jerry T. Wooten:
Jerry, originally from Clarksville, Tennessee, is an acclaimed historian with a deep passion for American history. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in American History from Austin Peay State University and a Master’s in Historic Preservation from Murray State University. Completing his Ph.D. in Public History at Middle Tennessee State University, his dissertation, “Johnsonville: The Evolution, Defense, and Demise of the Union’s Tennessee River Supply Depot, 1790-1890,” has garnered considerable attention.

Jerry’s career in historical parks began in 1996 at Pamplin Historical Park, Virginia. He has held various roles, including Park Ranger and Park Manager, in Tennessee State Parks. His leadership at Johnsonville State Historic Park brought the park several awards, including the coveted State Park of the Year in 2015. Currently, Jerry serves as the Manager of Paris Landing State Park.

Featured Presentation:
Jerry will explore the Raid and Battle on the Union Supply Base at Johnsonville, Tennessee, delving into its historical significance. His presentation is based on extensive research from his 2019 book, Johnsonville: Union Supply Operations on the Tennessee River and the Battle of Johnsonville, November 4-5, 1864.

Book Availability:
Copies of Jerry’s insightful book will be available for sale at the meeting, offering a deeper dive into this fascinating Civil War event.

Beyond History:
In his leisure, Jerry is an avid oil painter, writer, golfer, camper, and enjoys spending quality time with his partner Judith in East Nashville.

We warmly invite all members and guests to join us for this insightful evening with Jerry T. Wooten. His expertise and engaging narrative promise to make this a captivating and educational experience for everyone.