Pasadena Civil War Round Table

The Pasadena Civil War Round Table is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the American Civil War and promoting public education on the subject. Established during the Civil War Centennial in the early 1960s, the organization initially operated under the name "San Gabriel Valley Civil War Round Table" before adopting its current name in 2013 to enhance recognition.

History

After being founded in 1961, the organization faced a period of inactivity during the 1970s but was revived in the 1980s. Since then, it has continuously offered educational programs and events. A significant milestone for the Round Table was hosting the West Coast Civil War Roundtable Conference in 2003 and co-hosting it again with the Orange County Civil War Roundtable in 2016[1].

Activities and Support

The Pasadena Civil War Round Table hosts monthly in-person meetings, typically on the fourth Tuesday of every month, featuring presentations by leading Civil War historians, authors, re-enactors, and enthusiasts. These meetings are open to the public and focus on a wide range of topics related to the Civil War era. The organization also raises funds to support the preservation of Civil War battlefields and other historical sites[2].

Partnerships and Projects

The organization is a supporter of several historical sites, including Fort Tejon, a California State Historic Park, and the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum in Wilmington. It also supports the Lincoln Shrine in Redlands[2]. The Round Table uses digital platforms like PayPal to facilitate membership and donations, and it offers recordings of its meetings through a YouTube channel to engage members who cannot attend in person[1][2].

Programs

One of the notable annual programs is the "Show & Tell" event, where members present personal artifacts, stories, or experiences related to the Civil War. This program encourages community involvement and sharing of historical insights[4]. The organization is part of the national CWRT Congress, which provides additional resources and best practice recommendations for Civil War Round Tables across the country[2].