ORGANIZING PHILOSOPHY

 The Lowcountry Civil War Round Table Inc (LCWRT) is an organization dedicated to promoting, educating, and stimulating interest in, and discussion of, all aspects of the War Between the States and the preservation of War sites and monuments. This can be best accomplished by making every effort to place ourselves mentally back into that time period, and attempting to assess events and circumstances as they occurred then, not as we would consider them today, with the benefit of 150 years of hindsight.

The War, in the opinion of many noted historians, was the defining moment in the history of our country. It established that we would henceforth be one nation, indivisible. The War years, as well as the decades immediately preceding and following them, were a very painful time, filled with tragedy and powerful emotions. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people today continue to hold strong feelings and opinions about the War. Such feelings and opinions may arise from a variety of sources, from formal study in an academic setting to family history and folklore. After all, it was not that long ago. Many people are just three generations removed from ancestors who fought and suffered, in battle and on the home front.

Mindful of this, and with an objective of being inclusive and promoting good fellowship at the Round Table, we encourage each member to be open-minded and to respect the differing views, opinions and heritages of others. We certainly encourage healthy and vigorous debate on the issues, not to define a “winner” or a “loser,” but rather to allow us to increase the breadth of our knowledge and understanding of this crucial period in our nation’s history. It is NOT our intention to convert anyone to any particular point of view—mutual respect is the watchword. It IS our intention to foster a sense of camaraderie and good fellowship as we explore a topic that all we find fascinating— and to have fun while doing so!

We will make every effort to provide programs that will be appealing to all of our members. Consequently, we solicit your views in that regard. Please let us know what you would like to see or learn about. Certainly feel free, as well, to share your concerns or voice your opinions on any aspect of the roundtable's operation.

MEETINGS
LCWRT meetings are generally held the fourth Wednesday of each month, September through May, in Sun City Hilton Head, 114 Sun City Lane, Bluffton, S.C. in Magnolia Hall, or Pinckney Hall Activities Center or Hidden Cypress Fitness Center.  Access is available for non-residents of Sun City Hilton Head using the Sun City Hilton Head Main Gate on highway US278.  Just tell the security guard you are attending the LCWRT meeting.  Meetings are limited to members, but guests are always welcomed. There is a $5.00 guest fee payable at the door.

The meeting begins at 6:45 PM with an initial brief business discussion followed by the presentation. There is a Q&A session for the speaker following the presentation. Guest speakers who present our programs are authors, educators or historians of regional or national prominence. Upcoming speakers and topics are listed at our Events page. You are encouraged to download the latest LCWRT newsletter for current information.

MEMBERSHIP
A membership form is available - please click on forms sections of this website.

HISTORY

 The Lowcountry Civil War Round Table Inc. was founded in 2000 in Bluffton, SC. It was an outgrowth of the now defunct Hilton Head Island Civil War Roundtable and has grown to about 300 members.

 
In a May 22, 2001 editorial, the Island Packet, Hilton Head Island’s principal newspaper, stated: "The success of the Lowcountry Civil War Round Table, Inc. dedicated to historic preservation and enlightenment has been truly astounding. It has tapped an interest in our history by concentrating on high quality programs featuring nationally renowned experts."

Through vision and tireless efforts, together with that of a great many dedicated volunteers, our organization has enjoyed much success  and has grown into one of the largest Round Tables in the United States.