Everyone is welcome at our monthly meetings

NOTICE: We're meeting at the Blossom Cafe Restaurant, 8349 West Lawrence, Norridge, for 2025-26.


April 10th
The Nevins-Freeman Award Address: Wayne Motts on "Illinois Civil War Artifacts in the Collection of the National Civil War Museum"

Join historian, author, and National Civil War Museum CEO Wayne E. Motts for a dynamic PowerPoint presentation showcasing significant original Civil War artifacts connected to Illinois soldiers and leaders. He highlights items tied to notable Illinois personalities, including Abraham Lincoln, Union General John Buford, and cavalry officer Benjamin H. Grierson to name only a few. These rare historical items and stories illuminate the state's important role during the war. Wayne explores each artifact and brings to life the stories of the individuals behind these remarkable Civil War treasures.

Wayne E. Motts serves as the CEO of the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He has led three non-profit historical organizations, including the Adams County Historical Society in Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Foundation. For 38 years, he has guided visitors as a licensed battlefield guide at the Gettysburg National Military Park. He has also authored two published works on the Civil War.

For our 2025-2026 program year, we proudly welcome these outstanding speakers:

Sept. 12th: James Pula on "Dan Butterfield"
Oct. 10th: Kim Harris as "Libby Custer"
Nov. 14th: Chris Kolakowski on "Civil War to World War: Simon Bolivar Buckner Sr. and Jr."
Dec. 12th: Brian Jordan on "Marching Home: Union Veterans and Their Unending Civil War"
Jan. 9th, 2026: Guy Fraker on "Lincoln the Lawyer"
Feb. 13th: Keith Bohannon on "Wheeler's Cavalry in the Atlanta Campaign"
Mar. 13th: Clifford Roberts on "Castle Pinckney"
Apr. 10th: Wayne Motts, The Nevins-Freeman Address
May 8th: Chris Mackowski on "A Tempest of Iron and Lead: The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House"
June 12th: Alex Rossino on "Confederate Plans for Maryland"

Copies of recorded meetings are available for a small charge. Click here for a printable list of recorded meetings. More current meetings can be viewed on Youtube.

Our meetings are held at:

Blossom Cafe
8349 West Lawrence, Norridge (corner of Lawrence and Cumberland)
Parking at the Blossom Cafe is FREE
Map and Directions

Dinner $50.00 Members and Non- Members
Cocktails at 5:30, Dinner at 6:30

Presentation only is $10 per person.
Payable at the door, cash or check. Be there by 7:15. For those attending the presentation only, your reservation is appreciated but not required.
Dinner reservations should be received by Sunday evening prior to the meeting.
Please make your reservation in advance by emailing DinnerReservations@ChicagoCWRT.org with the names of your party or by calling (630) 460-1865
Cancellations: email us at DinnerReservations@ChicagoCWRT.org  or call (630) 460-1865
Copyright 2009, The Civil War Round Table of Chicago.