From Denise Harrell secretary of the Hampton Roads Civil War Round Table (HRCWRT).
Join us Thursday, November 19, 2026, for our monthly dinner meeting at Virginia Beach National Golf Club, 2500 Tournament Dr., Virginia Beach, VA, beginning at 6 PM, followed by dinner at 6:30, and our program at 7. Historian, author, and Antietam Licensed Battlefield Guide Kevin Pawlak will speak on: Water to his Front, Water to his Rear: Robert E. Lee Defends the Confederate High-Water Mark at Sharpsburg, September 17, 1862. There is perhaps no other decision that Robert E. Lee made in his entire military career that is more questioned and criticized than his decision to stand and fight outside Sharpsburg, Maryland in September 1862. What compelled him to fight with a river at his back and a superior enemy in his front? Or is it even as simple as that? Regardless, Lee beautifully orchestrated his obstinate defense at the Battle of Antietam and confronted the bloodiest single day in American history. In the annals of the Army of Northern Virginia’s history, it was one of the Army’s best days. Kevin Pawlak previously led our Round Table on memorable, in-depth private tours of the Manassas and Antietam Battlefields, as well as Bristoe Station Battlefield, and Harpers Ferry. He is the author of nine books on the Civil War, including “To Hazard All: A Guide to the Maryland Campaign,” and the author of three books in the Emerging Civil War Series. He is the Historic Site Manager for Prince William County’s Office of Historic Preservation. Kevin is a gifted speaker, and we are fortunate to have him return as our special guest this month.
The dinner buffet, which is optional, will include, BBQ, Chicken Parmesan, steamed vegetable medley, roasted red potatoes, salad, dessert, iced tea and water. Cost is $20, plus tax and 21% gratuity. Please notify Denise Harrell, Secretary, by email as soon as possible, but NOT LATER THAN NOON MONDAY, November 16th, if you would like to have dinner. Virginia Beach National requires a firm headcount and a three-day advance notification.
We welcome new members and guests. Please invite your history-loving friends and neighbors to come join you at our meeting, Thursday, November 19th, to hear our speaker Kevin Pawlak.
The Round Table’s new membership year began July 1, 2026 and ends June 30, 2027. Annual Membership Dues are $50 (Individual) and $70 (Family) and can be paid at the monthly meeting with the attached form or mailed with the attached form to Treasurer Dale Robertson at: 23020 Rolfe Ave., Windsor, VA 23487. Please note: dues are not considered paid without the attached form being filled out. The form appears below.
Application form
Future HRCWRT Programs in 2026
December– Membership Only Christmas Dinner: “Seven Times When the Confederates Could Have Won the Battle of Gettysburg,” by Rob Abbot, Maj. USMC (Ret), Certified Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park.