Harold Holzer: How the Civil War Changed Journalism

On the eve of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Sumter, S.C., renowned Lincoln and Civil War scholar Harold Holzer will speak at the National Press Club on Monday, April 11th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Rooms. His talk will focus on his newest book, The New York Times Complete Civil War. Chairman of The Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, Holzer is the author, co-author, or editor of 36 books; he is a popular lecturer and a frequent guest on television. In 2008, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal.

Mr. Holzer’s talk will kick-off the National Press Club’s commemoration of the Civil War and its impact on the emergence of professional journalism in America. Aided by new printing technologies and above all by the telegraph, reporters were able to bring the war home as never before: the battlefront became a part of everyday life, no matter the distance from actual fighting. And like never before, journalists were there to report a war that became inescapable. In addition to this talk, an exhibit of Civil War newspapers from 1861 will go on display April 15th in the Press Club’s lobby showcase.

The Holzer talk is co-sponsored by the Press Club’s History & Heritage, and Book & Author Committees. Admission is free for NPC members and $5 for non-members. The New York Times Complete Civil War will be available for $40, and Holzer will sign copies. Because it is a fundraiser for the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library, outside books are not permitted.

Reservations are required at [email protected] or 202-662-7523.