Scandals in History

Join us to hear award-winning historian John V. Quarstein present scandalous stories from Virginia history. These meetings are free, and beverages and snacks will be included.

About John Quarstein: Having spent his youth on Fort Monroe, where legends such as Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee walked, John developed a deep interest in history which has led him to author 18 books, with three more on the horizon. As Director Emeritus of the USS Monitor Center, John presents history lectures nation-wide.

Monthly Topics:

Tuesday, 12 July:  Virginia’s First Families - Even though First Families of Virginia, like the Lees and Randolphs, were noted for their outstanding leadership during the founding of the United States, many families of great wealth and power committed acts of moral, financial, and political failures which tainted their legacies.

Tuesday, 9 August:  Spirits on USS MONITOR - Grog was developed during the 18th century to help sailors overcome the doldrums of life at sea. Grog also had several medicinal attributes. Limes, sugar, hot water, and rum all made for a healthy, happier sailor. When the US Navy outlawed the grog ration in September 1862, this prompted many seamen to seek other forms of drink to ease their daily routine.

Tuesday, September 13: Civil War Scandals - Often Civil War era generals were considered great men who guided their soldiers to great victories. Nevertheless, there were many high-ranking officers who were immoral, desperate deviants who left crimes and distrust in their wake.

Tuesday, October 11: The Huntingtons - Born into severe poverty, Collis Potter Huntington became one of the leading railroad magnates in America. Part of his fame and fortune was gained by graft and greed. Bribery, deceit, slick business moves, and immoral affairs scandalized his name, his family, and the nation.

Tuesday, November 8:  Civil War Incompetence - Many generals were political creatures who were nothing more than unskilled warriors and prone to deadly mistakes. Others were merely advanced in rank beyond their ability which caused many disastrous errors.  Incompetence on the battlefield was one of the major sorrows of the war.

Tuesday, December 13: The Making of Christmas -2 F Did you know that many of our Christmas traditions stemmed from Pagan customs? Things like kissing under a mistletoe, caroling, wreaths, and even gift-giving were all aspects of pagan holidays that were adapted into Christmas celebrations in the early years.

SPONSORS:  

GARRETT REALTY PARTNERS

THE CHAMBERLIN

TIMEWISE CONCIERGE

WILSON LAW

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