Petersburg Civil War Roundtable: Christmas During the Civil War

Join Jerry “Dez” Desmond as he explores the Christmas holiday and how it was observed during the Civil War by both north and south. 

Mr. Desmond is the former executive director of Pamplin Historical Park Jerry’s career includes professional museum experience in the areas of education, curation and administration. His master's degrees in both education and history were completed at the University of Maine. His early career includes 12 years of secondary school education and college level teaching experience. He has written numerous historical articles and several books including "Turning the Tide at Gettysburg: How Maine Saved the Union." During his time at La Paglia & Associates and since, he has served as a consultant leading the development and expansion of new and existing museums. It was while serving with La Paglia & Associates that Jerry was involved with over 20 mostly Civil War related museum projects across the Southeast. Jerry has received numerous honors and awards including the Tennessee Association of Museums Award of Excellence for four consecutive years 1996-1999. Before moving to Pamplin Historical Park, he has served as the Director of the Rome History Museum in Georgia and the Birmingham History Center in Alabama. Desmond is now retired and enjoys speaking, walking battlefields and writing. 

The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable (PCWRT) will meet the first Thursday of each month (except for the months of June, July and August) at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Annual membership is $40.00. Individuals who are already members of Pamplin Historical Park can become members of PCWRT for $20.00. Non-members can attend for $5.00 each meeting. Call (804) 861-2408 for more information.