Beat winter blues with lecture series at Old Courthouse

In the winter of 2004-05, the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division was in a programming quandary.

There were very few programs offered during the months of January, February, and March and there was, at least, one venue, the Old Manassas Courthouse that was underutilized during those months.

An idea was raised to offer during these months a series of lectures on Thursday evenings that would be free to the public in the upstairs Ball Room of the old courthouse located at 9248 Lee Avenue in Manassas and the Winter Lecture Series was born.

The lectures featured topics that in some way tied to the county. Today the Historic Preservation Division will offer the 12th annual series which is now called the History Lecture Series because in has been extended into April. Topics have ranged from prominent people to historic events that shaped the history of the county, to world events that county citizens might have participated in.

This year is no different.

January 28

The Battle of Bristoe Station: “Myths and Memory.”

Author and Bristoe Station Battlefield Site Manager Bill Backus will discuss the many myths surrounding the Battle of Bristoe Station. The Battle of Bristoe Station was the last major battle of the Civil War in Prince William County. Backus’ recent book “A Want of Vigilance” will also be for sale.

February 25

James Monroe at War

Many know James Monroe as a legislator, diplomat, governor, and fifth President of the United States, but he also had a very active experience in the Revolutionary War. Monroe was present at several pivotal moments during the conflict and was admired for his courage and initiative. His war service in the Third Virginia Infantry Regiment brought him into contact with men from Prince William County and other Northern Virginia localities. Join us as Scott Harris, Director of the James Monroe Museum, discusses Monroe’s role in our struggle for independence, as well as his local ties.

March 24

Just How Do I Determine The Age of My Antique Furniture?

Master restorer David Rickard of D&R Restoration and Upholstery in Woodbridge will give an in-depth look at how to determine the age of furnishings by details such as screws, nails and even the joinery and other construction techniques used in putting together pieces as well as finishing types.

April 28

General George Meade’s Leadership in 1863

Author and Historian Todd Berkoff will discuss General George Mead’s leadership after Gettysburg, specifically during the Bristoe Station Campaign and his relationship with President Lincoln and Henry Halleck during this time. This is a broad look at the pressure placed on him to conduct offensive operations during the Fall of 1863 and some historical background on his career.

May 26

In Final Defense of the Reich: The Destruction of the 6th SS Mountain Division “ Nord”

Lt. Col. Stephen M. Rusiecki, Dean of Academics and Deputy Commander of the US Army Inspector General School, Fort Belvoir, Va will discuss how in April 1945 the American 71st Infantry Division exacted the final vestiges of life from the Reich’s 6th SS Mountain Division in central Germany with perspectives from both sides.

Col Rusiecki will argue that the last gasp of the Wehrmacht on the Western Front was not a mere whimper, as some historians charge but an effort to extract every last bit of pain possible. The book by the same name is meant to serve as a testament to the human experience in war, and to give perspectives of soldiers and civilians who suffered the brunt of the fighting. Col Rusiecki will have copies of the book available for sale.

These lectures are held on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Old Manassas Courthouse upstairs Ball Room and are open to all. The lectures are free and donations are encouraged. For more information call the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division at 703-792-4754.