WESTMORELAND—Stratford Hall recently announced Caroline E. Janney will deliver the 2025 Lee Lecture at 2 p.m. January 19 in the Jessie Ball duPont Memorial Library at Stratford Hall Historic Preserve, 483 Great House Road, Stratford.
Dr. Janney, the John L. Nau III Professor of the American Civil War and Director of the John L. Nau Center for Civil War History at the University of Virginia, will present Unintended and Unexpected: Lee’s Army after Appomattox.
A celebrated author and public lecturer, Dr. Janney’s work includes eight published books, such as Ends of War: The Fight of Lee’s Army after Appomattox, which earned the 2022 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize.
She is a speaker with the Organization of American Historians’ Distinguished Lectureship program and has appeared on numerous television programs including the History Channel’s Grant, 2020, and Lincoln, 2022.
“An incredible scholar, Dr. Caroline Janney is also an incredible storyteller! She opens a pathway for listeners into the uncertain moments of diverse folks navigating a war-torn landscape where the outcome of hostilities is yet unclear and the future unsure. Unintended and Unexpected is not to be missed,” said director of research Dr. Gordon Blaine Steffey.
This hybrid event offers both in-person and remote attendance options, allowing guests to engage with Dr. Janney’s insights from anywhere.
Admission is $10 in person, or $5 via Zoom. For tickets, visit www.stratfordhall.org.
Commemorating the Lives: The Lee Men of Stratford Hall weekend events will open January 18 with a special $5 admission day. Explore the Great House and grounds as Stratford Hall honors the Lee family men, several of whom have significant January dates.
Discover the legacies of:
• Francis Lightfoot Lee, praised by Mark Twain as “a citizen of the best and highest type.”
• Richard Henry Lee, a key proponent for American independence in 1776.
• Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, Revolutionary War hero and Virginia governor.
• Robert E. Lee, born at Stratford Hall, who would later shape military history.
Guests can enjoy the Band of Brothers audio tour, tracing the Lee men’s remarkable journeys and visit the Stratford at the Crossroads exhibit to view rare artifacts, including:
• A 1730s christening gown worn by generations of Lees.
• A set of dessert knives gifted by French King Louis XVI to diplomat Arthur Lee.
• A book of sermons compiled by Hannah Lee Corbin.
The admission will cover the house and grounds for ages 6 and older. Admission is free for ages 5 and younger. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.
