Available Presentations & Speaking Engagements

"Treasure and Empire in the Civil War"

Presentation and discussion of efforts by the United States to maintain control over western mines and shipping lanes transporting wealth east, as well as Confederate efforts to interdict them with ground armies in western territories and with naval forces in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. The United States and Confederacy go toe to toe with the continent of North America, and its vast mineral wealth, at stake. Based on the 2024 book Treasure and Empire in the civil War: The Panama Route, the West and the Campaigns to Control America's Mineral Wealth.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"The Panama Route in the US Civil War"

Presentation and discussion of efforts by the US Navy to maintain control over the gold shipping lanes of the Panama route and efforts by the Confederacy to interdict them both in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Based on the 2018 article "Controlling the California Gold Steamers: The Panama Route in the United States Civil War" published in the UCLA Historical.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"Defending the Arteries of Rebellion"

Presentation and discussion of the Confederacy's failed efforts to build a riverine naval force to maintain control of the Mississippi River Valley. Based on the 2020 book Defending the Arteries of Rebellion: Confederate Naval Operations in the Mississippi River Valley, 1861-1865.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"Postwar Identity Crisis of the Confederate Navy's Officer Corps"

Presentation and discussion of the crisis of identity Confederate naval officers faced after the Civil War and efforts by many of these officers to find closure after the war outside of the American South exemplified through foreign exile, foreign military service, filibustering, or movement to the American West. Based on the 2022 article "Postwar identity Crisis of the Confederate Navy's Officer Corps" published in US Military History Review.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"Annual Freshet Impacts on 1862's Mississippi River Valley  Naval Campaigns"

Presentation and discussion of how river levels and geography impacted battles raging in 1862 to control the Mississippi River valley. The rivers became independent actors in these naval battles as spring snowmelt forced rivers to flood stage. To control the Mississippi River valley, naval commanders on both sides had to win the battle against riverine geography.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"Ambitions and Challenges of a
Confederate Navy European Ironclad Squadron"

Presentation and discussion of Confederate Navy efforts to construct an ironclad squadron in Great Britain and France, the purpose behind this potential squadron, its potential mission, and the challenges facing the Confederacy in building and organizing such a force. Examines the blockade, international diplomacy, neutrality, and naval aspects of such an ironclad squadron.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"Charleston 1863: Evaluating Command, Control, and Technology"

Presentation and discussion of both United States and Confederate development and implementation of interservice joint military-naval cooperation, as well as new wartime technologies during 1863 campaigns at Charleston, South Carolina. Examines who cooperated well with others, who fell short, and factors that impacted the overall result of operations at Charleton in 1863.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"A Series of International Incidents: The CS Ironclad Stonewall"

Presentation and discussion of the trials and tribulations of the CSS Stonewall, the Confederacy's only sea-going ironclad, including efforts to secretly construct the vessel, efforts to get it into Confederate service, its actions in Europe, and its Trans-Atlantic voyage culminating in its surrender in Cuba. Based on the 2015 article "A Series of International Incidents: The Trans-Atlantic Odyssey of the Confederate Ironclad Stonewall" published in TRAVERSEA.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"Crisis in Command at New Orleans"

Presentation and discussion of the chains of command for both United States and Confederate naval forces in the 1862 campaigns for control of New Orleans. This campaign culminated in the battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip in late April 1862, resulting in United States occupation of New Orleans for the remainder of the Civil War. The command structure of the naval forces of both sides ultimately played a major role in the campaign's ultimate outcome. Based on the 2021 article "Crisis in Command at New Orleans" published in Civil War Navy.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"Capture of the Treasure Ship Ariel"

Presentation and discussion of the capture of the Atlantic and Pacific Mail Steamer Ariel by the Confederate raider Alabama in December 1862. Also includes an analysis of the importance of the Panama Route's treasure ships and the effects of the Ariel's capture, including the establishment of U.S. Navy convoys to protect the Panama Route's vessels and treasure shipments.

45-60 minutes + follow on discussion

"Beyond the 13th Amendment: Ending Slavery in the Indian Territory"

Presentation and discussion of efforts in 1865 and 1866 to bring forth a formal end of African slavery in the Indian Territory after the 13th Amendment went into effect in the rest of the country, putting the final nail in the coffin of legalized African slavery in the United States. Based on the 2018 article "Beyond the 13th Amendment: Ending Slavery in the Indian Territory" published on the Emerging Civil War website.

30-45 minutes + follow on discussion

"Lost Silver of Benjamin F. Hoxie"

Presentation and discussion of the capture of the civilian merchant ship Benjamin F. Hoxie by the CSS Florida, along with efforts by the Confederate Navy to launder the silver captured on the vessel for use by its European representatives. Based on the 2019 article "Tracking the lost Silver of the Benjamin F. Hoxie" published on the Emerging Civil War website.

30-45 minutes + follow on discussion