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You are here: Home / Speaking Program / [NOV 13 DINNER MEETING] Dr. Maury Klein on Sumpter, Secession, and the Election of Abraham Lincoln as the Last Major Event Leading to the U.S. Civil War

[NOV 13 DINNER MEETING] Dr. Maury Klein on Sumpter, Secession, and the Election of Abraham Lincoln as the Last Major Event Leading to the U.S. Civil War

November 5, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

U.S. Civil War historian Maury Klein
U.S. Civil War historian Maury Klein

On Monday, November 13, URI Professor Emeritus Maury Klein, a nationally-noted author and historian, will take us through the events preceding the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln. The president’s arrival in the White House marked the climax of a decade-long struggle that threatened to tear the nation apart, setting in motion a chain of events that led to the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War in 1861. His talk will be taken from aspects of his 1997 book “Days of Defiance: Secession, Slavery and the Civil War.” Dr. Klein will look at the reasons why this most disastrous of outcomes was not and perhaps could not have been avoided.

Tennessee native Maury Klein earned his B.A. degree from Knox College in 1960 and his MA and PhD from Emory University. He joined the University of Rhode Island faculty in 1964 and remained there until his retirement in 2008. He was named a full professor of history in 1973. Dr. Klein states that, once deciding on a teaching career, he majored in history because it gave him the most freedom of subject matter in the classroom. Dr. Klein is the author of 18 books, articles in numerous magazines and scholarly journals, and contributions to blogs on a wide variety of subjects in American history. His published works range from military history to American business and the rail-road industry. Among his many awards is an Emmy for Best Writing for a Documentary entitled “Railroad Man: The Life and Legend of Jay Gould.” In 2011 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

As always, your guests are welcome. Come early and see some of the new U.S. Civil War artifacts exhibited at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.

Reservations must be received by 5:00 pm Friday, November 10. Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 pm (dinner followed by program)
MENU: Traditional turkey dinner, dessert and coffee.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person including dinner


Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: abraham lincoln, civil war, speaker program, varnum memorial armory

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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