This year will mark the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, on October 16, 1859. The events which later occurred there in September and October, 1861 will be our speaker's topic this month.

Brad Forbush, a member of our CWRT, has regaled us with many tales of the 13th Massachusetts, beginning with his very first presentation on his ancestor's unit in 2001, up to his "Epilogue" presentation in 2005. In this talk, he will weave the activities of that regiment into the bigger picture of Harper's Ferry - why the town was important, the geography and military situation at that time, profiles of the major and minor players on both sides, the Battle of Bolivar Heights, and an overview of the Harper's Ferry National Historic Park today. He'll delve into personal sketches of Col . John White Geary, 28th PA Volunteers (and later Governor of Pennsylvania), the mysterious Captain Schriber and the John Brown Bell ("the second most important bell in America"), and Abraham Herr, proprietor of all the industry at Virginius Island, adjacent to Harper's Ferry, and the destruction of his property by both sides.

Brad has been working in the animation industry since 1990, most recently on the animated show 'King of the Hill.' He lives in Burbank with his wife, Susan, who often assists in his research. Brad's meticulous gathering of information about the 13th Massachusetts, which he has often said could "fill volumes," has resulted in a forthcoming book, "Stories from the 13th Mass." We are looking forward to hosting him for a special book signing event upon its publication.

Please join us as we learn more about this important region and how it affected the Civil War.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

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