ETCWC offers a variety of PowerPoint presentations,
lectures, and impressions focused on the Civil War Era.
While the primary focus is the history of East Tennessee,
many of our presentations and impressions reflect a
national view of Civil War History.
Dr. Robert Orr
Dr. Robert Orr serves as Lead Historian for East Tennessee
Civil War Campaigns. He is a leading expert on the Civil War
Era in East Tennessee, widely published author, and
renowned orator. Dr. Orr was instrumental in the success of
the recent year long celebration of Andrew Johnson's 200th
Birthday. He provided extensive historical guidance, lectures,
news articles and participated in numerous forums examining
Johnson's political career and Reconstruction policies. He
currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Nathanael
Greene Museum and teaches history at local colleges.
Carlos Whaley serves as Chief Executive Officer and Event
Coordinator for East Tennessee Civil War Campaigns. During
2008, Carlos served as Co-Chair of the Andrew Johnson
Bicentennial Celebration Steering Committee. In this capacity,
Carlos helped manage and coordinate numerous historical
events and delivered over 100 presentations throughout East
Tennessee. Carlos participates in a variety of opportunities to
educate youth throughout the region. He directed "A Day in
the Life of a Civil War Soldier" for area scouts during 2008 &
2009. Carlos is a Civil War re-enactor, serves on The Battle of
Blue Springs Planning Committee, serves on the Board of
Directors of Nathanael Greene Museum and is the President of
The Boones Creek Historical Trust
Carlos Whaley
Dr. Orr offers a variety of lectures and presentations focused on
East Tennessee Civil War history, people and events. Please
email Dr. Orr for more information about a presentation for
your organization.
Upcoming Events:
PowerPoint Presentations Available:
Overview Life of Andrew Johnson - 20 & 50 minute versions
(Extended additional 30 minutes w/Reconstruction Policy)
Battle of Blue Springs - 20 & 50 minute versions
(Largest Civil War engagement in East Tennessee at
Mosheim)
Military Communications during the Civil War - 30 & 60
minute versions
(Confederate Signal Corps and Secret Service - 30 minutes)
(Union Signal Corps - 30 minutes)
Battle of Bulls Gap - 20 & 50 minute versions
Women Leaders During the Civil War
Women's Roles During the Civil War
Civil War Impressions:
Union Major Albert J. Myers - Chief Signal Officer and
father of the U.S. Signal Corps.
Confederate Major William J. Norris - Chief Signal Officer &
Confederate Secret Service
Email Carlos for these presentations and other living history
opportunities.
Bill Ringel
Bill Ringel serves as Lead Event Coordinator for East
Tennessee Civil War Campaigns. History has always been a
passion, including a Minor in History during his education.
Has written several articles on history with great emphasis on
the 1860's time frame. First participated in Civil War
reenactments in the 1960's and was transfixed with the ability
to recreate history. Accurate protrayal of the Victorian Era
time-frame by bringing back history is his fortay. Has directed,
led, and participated in many national events bringing history
alive, mostly from the Western Theatre of the Civil War,
including all the Vicksburg Campaigns, and for the past 10
years in the East Tennessee Campaigns. His ancestors served
both in the Union and Confederate Army's, a family divided. He
was selected to portray various rolls in movies of the Civil War
era, including the most recent movie "Freedom" that was filmed
in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. He is a historian in
his own right, relishing the ability to enlighten through his
knowledge. Bill also serves as Assistant Director of The Battle of
Blue Springs Planning Committee as well as Adjutant-General,
Chief of Staff, for Union forces.
Impressions:
Union Major General George Gordon Meade - Victorious Union
Commanding General at Gettysburg.
Confederate Lt. Colonel William Moore Owen - Staff Officer
to General James Longstreet during East Tennessee
Campaigns.
Presentations:
Lectures on Civil War Military Lifestyles & Clothing
Demonstrations & Lectures on Victorian Era Etiquette
Civil War Geneaology and Unit Research Guide
Civil War Soldier Instruction - Cavalry, Infantry & Artillery
Email Bill for more impressions and living history opportunities
Mack Cothran currently serves as an Event Coordinator with East
Tennessee Civil War Campaigns. He has been involved in Civil War
reenactor activities since 1985, serving in various groups of
artillery, infantry, and dismounted cavalry. He has assisted as a
planning committee member for the Battle of Blue Springs in
more recent years. He is a student of History, with a deep interest
in the Civil War Era. Has served on the headquarters staff of
Union and Confederate reenacting units for East Tennessee
historical protrayals. He was most instrumental in assisting in the
making of the movie "Freedom" filmed in East Tennessee and
SouthWest Virginia. He is currently the Commanding Officer of
the Ordnance Corps under the umbrella of the Headquarters
Company.
Mack Cothran
Jim Allen serves as a Special Consultant with East Tennessee
Civil War Campaigns. Jim is the Executive Director of the
Battle of Blue Springs (BBS) planning committee and
re-enactment. Jim also serves as Federal Commander and overall
event commander for the BBS. For the past eight years, Jim has
guided the Battle of Blue Springs to recognition as a premier
national event and the centerpiece of Civil War re-enactments
between Nashville and Richmond. The BBS Education Day is one
of the most popular and anticipated field trips hundreds of area
middle school children attend each year. Jim is a highly
experienced Civil War re-enactor. He is a seasoned cavalry
commander having served in increasing positions of responsibility
and rank commensurate with his experience and skills. Starting as
a trooper in the 1st Tennessee Cavalry over fifteen years ago, Jim
served with numerous units and advanced to Lieutenant Colonel,
Kentucky Cavalry Brigade (Executive & Operations Officer). He
is a prominent living historian and participates on numerous
committees and initiatives to promote Civil War history and youth
education.
Jim Allen
Impressions:
Union Brigadier General Samuel P. Carter
Union Brigadier General Alvin C. Gillem
Union Lieutenant-Colonel Myles W. Keogh, Chief of Staff for
General George Stoneman
Confederate Lieutenant-Colonel William Bradford, Vaughn's
Cavalry Brigade
Presentations:
1. Born to be a Soldier: The Myles Keogh story. (20 Minute and
45 Minute long presentations available)
2. The Carolina Raid with George Stoneman – 1865 (20 Minute
and 45 Minute long presentations available)
3. And Now … The Rest of the Story … Economics and the
Civil War. (60 to 90 Minute presentation)
4. Evolution of the American Horse Soldier (1700’s to 2009)
(20 Minute and 45 Minute long presentations available)
5. The Horse Soldier in the Civil War (20 Minute and 45 Minute
long presentations available)
6. Sailor in the Saddle - The Samuel P. Carter Story (20 Minute
and 45 Minute long presentations available)
7. Riding with the Governor’s Guard - The Alvan C. Gillem
Story (20 Minute and 45 Minute long presentations available)
8. Historical event management and promotion
9. Numerous lectures on Civil War battles, skirmishes &
politics
Email Jim for more information on impressions and presentations
