The war has been over for more than 132 years. Most of the men who fought it are long forgotten, though some still speak to us through the faded tintypes and fragmentary letters prized by their descendants.
But for literally thousands of men and women across the country, the exploits of the Civil War are the subject of great debate and analysis.
Those most instrumental in keeping alive America’s fascination with the war are often found in the hundreds of Civil War Roundtables that have taken root in venues ranging from big cities to state penitentiaries.
Among the most recent arrivals is the McHenry County roundtable, which meets on the second Tuesday of the month in the museum of the McHenry County Historical Society.
Loosely formed in May, the group attracted more than 60 residents to its August meeting, many of them first-timers who vowed to be back in September.
“Every month we grow,” according to retired Crystal Lake physician Ed Wilt, who chaired the meeting. “Last month we had about 30,” adding that the group’s first meeting turned out 20 participants. “Five of them were my former patients.”
Wilt said the local roundtable is still in its formative stages.
“It has a name; it’s in McHenry County. But beyond that we’re still trying to set up some sort of format.”
For now, Wilt is following the typical roundtable formula of alternating meetings between formal presentations and informal discussions.
At the moment there are no dues, no rosters and no structured hierarchy. Whether to more formally organize itself will be decided during a business meeting in December. But for now, anyone interested in the Civil War can stroll into the meetings and join in the discussion.
“My fear is that if we make this too formal too quickly, we’ll scare people off,” Wilt said.
He also stressed that the group is open to those who have only a passing interest in the war. “I’d like to find a balance between those who know it all and those who know next to nothing,” Wilt said. “If there are too many `hardened veterans,’ the others will be afraid to speak up and join in the discussion. I want everyone to feel welcome.”
Along that line, next month’s meeting will be given over to open discussion, Wilt said, with the Oct. 14 session featuring a formal presentation on the life of Union Gen. Fitz-John Porter.
