Please note: Optional Dinner will start at 6:00 PM. The Lecture will start at 7:00 PM. To make dinner reservations, email CvilleCWRT@gmail.com and indicate your entree choice: prime rib, salmon or chicken. Dinner includes salad and dessert. Cost is $24 for members and $30 for non-members.

LECTURE TOPIC:  The Civil War Led to the Eads Bridge. James Eads, a civil engineering novice, pushed through daunting obstacles to build the record-breaking St. Louis Bridge in 1874. Although he had no resume in civil engineering, Eads drew on earlier chapters in his life that prepared him for the bridge design, especially his work during the Civil War which included building the country's first ironclad warships. 

SPEAKER:  John K. Brown. A native of Philadelphia with a B.A. (History) from Emory University, Jack Brown earned a PhD in American History from UVA. For 25 years he taught the history of technology, applied ethics, and public speaking to  undergraduates in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. He lives in Charlottesville.