Union Jacks: Yankee Sailors in the Civil War

Historians have given a great deal of attention to the lives and experiences of Civil War soldiers, but surprisingly little is known about navy sailors who participated in the conflict. In our second luncheon lecture of 2011, Michael J. Bennett will be discussing his book, Union Jacks: Yankee Sailors in the Civil War.

Through his research, Bennett has found that sailors differed from their counterparts in the army in many ways. They tended to be a rougher bunch of men than the regular soldiers, drinking and fighting excessively. Those who were not foreign-born, escaped slaves, or unemployed at the time they enlisted often hailed from the urban working class rather than from rural farms and towns. In addition, most sailors enlisted for pragmatic rather than ideological reasons.

Come and join us on Thursday, April 28, as Michael J. Bennett describes the lives of the enlisted sailors in the Union Navy. The luncheon begins at 11:30am at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Norfolk (700 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA). It costs $15 for members of the Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation and $20 for non-members to attend. To attend just the lecture, there is no cost (though you must still RSVP).

RSVPs are required by Saturday, April 23. Please call 757-322-3109 to leave a message with your reservation, or contact Laura at 757-322-3108 or laura.l.orr@navy.mil with any questions.

We hope to see you there!

Admiral Vern Clark to Speak at Museum's Speaker Series

In honor of the celebration of the Battle of Midway, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation are proud to sponsor a luncheon lecture featuring one of the greatest military leaders of our time, ADM Vern Clark, USN (Ret.).

Please join us as Admiral Clark shares his perspective on “Leadership: Past, Present and Future” Monday, June 8, at Naval Station Norfolk’s Vista Point Club at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are required by June 4 and may be made by calling 757-322-3109. Passes will be provided for those not holding base decals. The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch.

Come hear Admiral Clark share his perspective on the naval leadership that led to the success of the Battle of Midway and how the leadership decisions turned the tide of the war in the Pacific. He will also discuss the leadership challenges he faced while Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Clark’s tenure as CNO was a period of significant change and renewed vision.

His lecture will conclude with his assessment on the future of naval leadership. A Distinguished Professor in the Schools of Government and Leadership at Regent University, Admiral Clark’s lecture is sure to enlighten and inspire. Call and make your reservations today!