Pamplin Historical Park
Any era is full of colorful personalities who may be known for their temperament and the Civil War is no different. Whether in personal life, in camp or on the battlefield leaders have been known to blow up at subordinates or even superiors. In extreme cases, the outbursts can manifest into disastrous decisions on the battlefield or even murder. “Hot Heads!: Quick Tempers & Rash Actions” explores seven fiery Civil War commanders who let anger get the best of them both in and out of uniform.
The conference will be held on Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2026 at Pamplin Historical Park’s Education Center in Dinwiddie, Virginia and will feature presentations from seven outstanding historians: Chris J. Hartley, James A. Hessler, Robert I. Girardi, Dr. Brooks D. Simpson, Dr. Christopher S. Stowe, Jeffry Wert and Dr. Brian Steel Wills.
For more information or to register online, click the link below.
You can also call a reservation specialist at 877-726-7546.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday, October 16, 2026
6:30 pm Welcome Reception and Cash Bar - Education Center
7:00 pm Registration and Participant Packet Pick-up - Education Center
7:25 pm Introduction and Welcome - Colin Romanick
7:30 pm Presenter: Dr. Brooks D. Simpson - Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman
9:00 pm Program Concludes
Saturday, October 17, 2026
8:00 am Registration continues/Continental Breakfast/Book Sales - Education Center
9:00 am Presenter: Jeffry D. Wert - Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early
10:15 am Break: Book Sales - Battlefield Center
10:45 am Presenter: Robert I. Girardi - Maj. Gen. William "Bull" Nelson
12:00 pm Lunch at Education Center Pavillion
1:00 pm Presenter: Dr. Brian Steel Wills - Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest
2:15 pm Break: Book Sales - Battlefield Center
2:45 pm Preesnter: James A. Hessler - Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Sickles
4:00 pm Restroom Break
4:10 pm State of the Park Update - Colin Romanick
5:00 pm Presentations Conclude
5:30 pm Dinner - Giuseppe's Restaurant
Sunday, October 18, 2025
8:00 am Continental Breakfast
9:00 am Presenter: Dr. Christopher S. Stowe - Maj. Gen. George G. Meade
10:15 am Break: Book Sales - Battlefield Center
10:45 am Presenter: Chris J. Hartley - Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill
12:00 pm Lunch - Education Center Pavillion
1:00 pm Panel Discussion - all presenters
2:00 pm Raffle Drawing
2:30 pm Symposium Concludes
DETAILS
Where: Pamplin Historical Park Education Center
6523 Duncan Road Petersburg, VA 23803
Cost: $339.00 per person – Pamplin Historical Park Members
$379.00 per person – Non-members*
*Not a member, but interested in joining?
Click here or call Member Services, 877-726-7546 .
What’s Included: Registration fee includes all lectures, the Friday night reception, two mid-morning coffee breaks, two lunches and the Saturday night banquet.
Lodging: Rooms are available at several local hotels to include:
Holiday Inn Express and Suites—Dinwiddie, 5679 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA 23803, 804-518-1515
Comfort Inn Petersburg-Fort Gregg-Adams, 112001 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805, 804-318-4836.
Specially negotiated rates can be found on Pamplin Park’s special hotel accommodation booking link: https://www.hotelplanner.com/EventPage8565431
You must call the above hotels directly and not their 800 numbers to secure a room within these room blocks. Just be sure to ask for Group and rates listed above.
TO REGISTER
Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Click here for the Registration Form or to register by phone, call 877-726-7546 to talk to one of our registration specialists
Current Pamplin Historical Park members will receive a separate email, with a discount code, for use during registration check out. Members can also call the number above to register over the phone with a credit card as well. If a membership has lapsed, it will need to be renewed at the same time to receive the symposium discount. .
