To commemorate the return of our military history talks, our special guest will be Dr. Scott L. Stabler.  He will speak about General Oliver Otis Howard, his service in the Civil War and contribution to African American empowerment as head of the Freedmen’s Bureau, during Reconstruction. 

Prior to his assignment as the Commander of the Department of the Columbia in the 1870s, General Oliver Otis Howard had a career of mixed military successes as well as leadership during Post Civil War Reconstruction.  Howard’s lasting contribution to education in known today as Howard University, America’s premier, historically Black institute of research and higher learning.

Dr. Scott Stabler Professor of History at Grand Valley State University, Michigan has studied Howard’s life and career.  He has written several articles about Howard and African service during the Civil War and Reconstruction.  He will share some of this knowledge on the evening of 24 February.