New Bedford Civil War Roundtable Keeps History Alive

What is the New Bedford Civil War Roundtable? As a young reporter in the '70s and '80s, I often asked myself that question when reading a public service announcement at WBSM.

I now can answer the question: it's a community organization that goes back decades in New Bedford, providing its members with an opportunity to learn more about the United States Civil War that took place from1861 to 1865.

Its current president is Mark Mello, who joined the organization as a high school student with a keen interest in history. He said you don't have to be a Civil War buff to join the group, but if you share a joy and appreciation of history, this may be the community group for you.

Mello joined me this week on Townsquare Sunday, and said the organization meets just about every month and invites a speaker that offers new or little-known information about the Civil War.

For instance, in November the Roundtable hosted, via Zoom, Codie Eash, Operations Manager of the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His topic was "The Gettysburg Address" delivered by abolitionist Frederick Douglass in January,1869, reflecting on the racial and political results of the war.

The New Bedford Civil War Roundtable is welcoming new members. You can listen to Mark Mello's interview to learn more.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program that airs every Sunday morning on 1420 WBSM. The program highlights individuals and organizations working to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

If you would like to have your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.