Saturday, Jan. 12, 12 p.m.—WHITE RIVER JUNCTION— On Saturday, Jan. 12, Dr. Sarah Batterson will be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Green Mountain Civil War Round Table. The meeting will be held at the Bugbee Senior Center, 262 North Main St., White River Junction. Doors open at noon; an optional catered dinner from Big Fatty’s Barbecue is served at 12:15 p.m., followed by a short business meeting at 12:45 p.m.. The program, “The U.S. Africa Squadron and the International Slave Trade,” will take place immediately after.
The United States African Squadron, a branch of the U.S. Navy, plied the waters off the coast of Africa searching for slave ships bound for North America. Between 1819 and 1861, they had some success, capturing 36 ships. The speaker will explain the short history of the U.S.A.S, and will focus on the activity of the squadron and life at sea for the sailors, during the 1850s.
Dr. Batterson received her Ph.D. in history at the University of New Hampshire and is director of liberal arts at Granite State College. Her research focuses on 19th century U.S. history in general and the transatlantic slave trade in particular. As an instructor, she has taught U.S. survey courses, as well as thematic courses on women’s history, Atlantic Revolutions, Civil War history, and African-American history.
The meeting is open to the public. Reservations for the optional meal ($13) must be placed by noon, Jan. 9 at 802-296-2919 or auntis@comcast.net. Those not having dinner will be asked to pay a modest door fee to cover expenses.
