FULL - Course 111: Brave Women of 1863:
Their Lives and Civil War Experiences

Leader: Linda Snook

Description: The course will explore the Civil War experiences of women who entered the struggle as soldiers, vivandieres and nurses in both the Union and Confederate armies. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the battles that were fought in 1863, this course will focus on battles fought between May 1863 and November 1863. The first three classes will discuss the domestic political climate that led to the war, as well as the pre-war social climate related to women's roles in society. We will look at what these women were doing before the war. The battles and generals of 1863 - Vicksburg, Gettysburg and Chancellorsville and Lee, Grant, Meade, and Jackson will be described. The next three classes will focus on the activities of the courageous women and what factors motivated them to play these prominent roles. Women such as Marie Brose Tepe, Kate Cumming, Harriet Dame and several others will be brought to life. The lives of these women after the war will also be discussed.

The course leader will include a surprise addition to the course and this lady will remain a mystery. In week six, the class will visit the closest important battlefield, Gettysburg, which will illustrate the sacrifice and strength of spirit demonstrated by these wonderful women. This course is taught by a Civil War re-enactor and living historian who dresses in period and strives to bring these women to life. Information will be presented in a PowerPoint format, with additional use of handouts, photos and books. The presentation will be informal, with questions and discussion encouraged.

Biography: Linda Estupinan Snook is a native Marylander who has lived in the area for nearly 10 years. She is a Special Educator who has taught school in Baltimore City as well as Washington, DC. She is currently the Education Coordinator for the Union County Historical Society and is the owner of the book shoppe in Mifflinburg called La Vieille Maison des Livres. She has been a Civil War re-enactor and living historian since 2000 and enjoys teaching about the roles women played in that conflict.

Materials for Course: A handout book of articles and references will be available to each participant.

Number of Participants: Minimum: 5: Maximum: 16

Location: RidgeCrest at RiverWoods - Creative Arts Room

Meeting Time: Tuesdays, February 26 through April 2, 1 - 2:30 p.m.