Brenda Chambers McKean will present “Blood and War at My Doorstep: N.C. Civilians in the Civil War” at the Rowan History Club’s meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
McKean is an independent researcher and author of the two volume non-fiction book, “Blood and War at my Doorstep: North Carolina Civilians in the War Between the States,” published in 2011.
She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a registered nurse diploma and Duke University School of Anesthesia for Nurses. She is currently retired.
McKean started re-enacting as a living historian in 1986 and has continued with the 26 NCT, and she founded the Tar Heel Civilians. From the beginning McKean carried on research to improve her knowledge of the period. This led to lectures with various groups such as the UDC, SCV, historical societies, historic sites, schools, re-enactment groups, and Civil War roundtables.
She spoke at the Society of Women and the Civil War 2009 Conference at Chambersburg and was co-chairwoman at the Raleigh 2010 Conference. In 2012, McKean spoke on “Quaker Women of Civil War N.C.” at Duquesne University. She has attended every conference from its inception.
She is now engaged with the 150th Sesquicentennial, presenting programs in North Carolina and out of state when possible.
McKean is a board member for “Friends of the Bennett Place.” On Oct. 19, she won the 2013 Willie Parker Peace Award from the Society of N.C. Historians for her book.
The meeting will be held in the Messinger Room, which is accessible by elevator. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month September through June. The Museum is located at 202 N. Main St. Guests to the program should enter through the rear entrance.
A roundtable format will allow for a 30 to 45-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer period. The Rowan History Club is open to anyone interested in the history of Rowan County. There are no dues or admission fees, and refreshments are served.
For more information, contact the Rowan Museum at 704-633-5946 or email rowanmuseum@fibrant.com .