M.A.W.L Holds Civil War Talk at the Union Club

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M.A.W.L Holds Civil War Talk at the Union Club
by Elizabeth K. Steel, Esq.

On March 7, 2006, members of the Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers and guests were able to attend a fascinating talk by Professor Charles Kindregan of Suffolk Law School at the exclusive Union Club of Boston. This event was organized by President-elect, Rosemary Eacman. The members-only Union Club, located steps away from the State House, is an ornately decorated townhouse with much memorabilia from the Civil War. Somber portraits of famous figures from the Civil War, paintings depicting scenes from various battles, as well as swords and other historic items adorned the walls, hallways, and rooms of the Club.

Before the talk began, guests were able to socialize and eat light hors d'oeuvres that included such items as delicious oysters on the half-shell, cheese, crackers, and fruit.

Professor Kindregan gave a fascinating talk about Women in the Civil War. He regaled the audience with anecdotes about various women's roles for both the North and the South. He often cited books written about each of the women and actually had them on hand to pass around. He also gave the audience the chance to view some stamps that honored women in the Civil War. Professor. Kindregan told the audience how some of the women were spies, such as Rose O'Neale Greenhow. There were women who disguised themselves as men in order to fight as soldiers. Some were nurses or surgeons, such as Clara Barton, Dorothea Dix, and Mary Walker. Mary Walker was a battlefield surgeon who fought against unnecessary amputations and was captured by the Confederates. He referred to such books as The March , by E. L. Doctorow, Team of Rivals by Doris K. Goodwin, as well as Wild Rose by Ann Blackman. At the end, he took questions from the audience.

ll in all, it was a very educational, social, get-together.