A Civil War Round Table Christmas Gala will be held at the Holiday Inn Express in Dillsboro on Dec. 13.

The event is open to members and the public. Refreshments and social hour begin at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner and program.  Attire is “period dress” or “Sunday best”.  The cost is $ 25 per person and reservations may be sent to WNCCWRT, Box 3709, Cullowhee, N.C. 28723, or call Chris Behre at 293-9314 by Dec. 4.  A cash bar will be available.  

The speaker will be Brian Steele Wills, professor of history and philosophy at Kennesaw State University in Georgia.  His topic is “Solid as a Rock: George Henry Thomas.”  Wills will talk of Pap Thomas’ Virginia roots and his loyalty to the Union. Thomas was a critical component of Union success and one of its highest regarded generals.  

Wills is director of the center for the study of the Civil War era, and is tenured at the University of Virginia at Wise. He is the author of numerous articles and books relating to the Civil War, including “A Battle From the Start:  The Life of Nathan Bedford Forrest.” This book was chosen as both a History Book Club selection and a Book of the Month selection. His most recent work is “Gone for Glory: The Civil War in Cinema.”