How did the story of the Battles of Sailor's Creek come to full light from the obscure archives of American Civil War (ACW) history? Join park manager and historian Chris Calkins October 7 from 2-4 p.m. at the Park Visitor Center for an informal talk and conversation to gain his insight. At the same time, learn the hard-earned secrets of successful historical research, while sitting within the outdoor panorama of the fall season's change of colors in the Southside Virginia Piedmont.

Calkins, a Longwood University graduate and a veteran of 39-years of national and state park service, will explain how his lifetime focus on the last year of the ACW in Virginia got its start in the Longwood history classroom. He will relate how his widely published research got its start with a relationship-while still a student-with the Farmville Herald and publisher Barry Wall.

Calkins also will give away archival copies of the Herald's issue featuring his first published articles on a first-come first-served basis.

This event is free and open to the public and is suitable for ages 15 and up. It will be held inside the exhibit hall in the event of inclement weather. Bring your own folding or camp chair.

The purpose of Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is to preserve the cultural landscape as it was in 1865, and to provide the historic setting to tell the story of the last major battle of the Civil War in Virginia before the surrender of Robert E. Lee's Army at Appomattox Courthouse, and its impact on the citizens of Southside Virginia.