There is a Civil War Symposium in Nashville on November 11, 2011 and November 12, 2011. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Belmont Mansion, The Battle of Nashville Preservation Society and the Lotz House Museum.

On Friday, November 11, 2011, there will be an opening night reception at the Lotz Hour in Franklin. The opening reception will be hosted by The Battle of Nashville Preservation Society President, Phillip Duer, and the author of “The History Buff’s Guide…” book series, Thomas Flagel. This event will feature wine, hors d’oeuvres, a tour of the Lotz House Museum and mingling with the Symposium speakers.

On Saturday, November 12, 2011, the formal Symposium will begin at 8:00am at the Belmont Mansion, right around the corner from Belmont Blvd. There will be six guest speakers who will focus on various perspectives regarding the fall and occupation of Nashville and the battles at Ft. Donelson and Shiloh.

Panelists will include:

• Thomas Cartwright – Franklin-based historian, one of the nation’s leading authorities on the Battle of Franklin.
• Tim Johnson, author and professor of history at David Lipscomb University, who has appeared on the History Channel,C-SPAN and NPT.
• Carole Bucy, professor of History at Vol State Community College and the newly appointed Metro Historian.
• James McDonough, noted author of Five Tragic Hours and Nashville: The Western Confederacy’s Final Gamble.
• Doug Richardson, Park Ranger and Chief of Interpretation at Fort Donelson.
• Dr. Bobby Lovett, long-time professor of History at Tennessee State University and authored several books on African American history, most notably “African American History of Nashville, Tennessee, 1780-1930.”

“Middle Tennessee is rich with Civil War history. Our inspiring past combined with the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War creates an ideal opportunity to host this event,” said Belmont University’s Mark Brown. “We are honored to welcome these exceptional writers, speakers and historians to Belmont University.”

Tickets to the event are $75 and include the reception, the symposium, Sesquicentennial commemorative Hatch Show Print, mini ball, and Battle of Nashville Preservation Society’s Guide to Civil War Nashville autographed by Mark Zimmerman. For more information including tickets, contact Mark Brown at Belmont University at mark.brown@belmont.edu, or Ellen McClanahan at the Lotz House by email at ellen@lotzhouse.com or phone at 615-804-5068.

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