In-Person Program

Strange but true; this axiom was never more relevant than describing many of the unusual and extraordinary occurrences during the four years of the Civil War.  While much of our history is dominated by the major battles such as Gettysburg and biographies of the key commanders such as Grant and Lee; the four years of the Civil War also included a significant number of strange and highly unusual personalities and incidents that have generally escaped modern discussion.

This presentation focuses on unusual and often controversial incidents and events. Topics include the plot to bomb the White House, the strange case of Ulric Dahlgren and the plot to kill the Confederate President, the spy who was hung twice and buried in three places, dueling generals, murders, the plot to burn New York, sensational trials, and the stories of eccentric and unusual personalities and events.

Presenter:  Herb Kaufman has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Temple University and has been a teacher, lecturer and living historian for more than 20 years. He is a founding member of the faculty of the Civil War Institute and History Institute at Manor College and an Adjunct Instructor of history at Camden County College.