Challenging the traditional portrayal of guards as uniformly brutal and prisoners as mere victims, he draws on extensive, previously unpublished research to explore the complex experiences of both. Postwar accounts, steeped in survivor bias and “Lost Cause” rhetoric, have long dominated the story—until now.
Bob has been studying Point Lookout since 1978 and serves as a volunteer and living historian at Point Lookout State Park. In 2025, he won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the St. Mary’s Historic Preservation Commission. He has authored and designed many interpretive signs, contributed to the park’s tour book and museum, and spearheaded restoration efforts for Maryland’s only surviving Civil War earthen fort and the prison site itself.
Third Annual Pete Himmelheber Award
The third annual Pete Himmelheber Award will be presented at the start of the program.
This award, named in honor of the Historical Society's late Director, historian, and editor of the Chronicles of St. Mary's, is presented to an individual or individuals for outstanding contributions preservation, and interpretation of St. Mary's County History. Nominations come from members with recipients decided by the Board of Directors. Nominees include academic and non-academic people whose passion for history and St. Mary's County are seen through writing, teaching, and media.
Election of Directors & Officers
The Spring Dinner is the Historical Society's Annual General Meeting at which Members vote to elect or re-elect Directors and Officers. The Historical Society Board consists of sixteen Directors who serve a four-year term and four Officers who are elected from Board members for a two-year term. This year's nominations include:
Directors (elected for a four-year term ending 2030)
Barbara Ives Chair of the Development Committee
John S. Houser
Christine Senese
Officers (elected for a two-year term ending 2028)
John S. Houser Secretary (ending 2027 to complete term of Director J. Ernest Bell )
Daniel Kerns Vice President
Christine Senese Treasurer
The 75th Anniversary Celebration
2026 year marks the 75th Anniversary of the
St. Mary's County Historical Society.
This evening we announce the CELEBRATION coming in September!
INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE RESERVATIONS ONLINE
1. Scroll down to NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WILL ATTEND below and select the number of guests for whom you're making reservations (each table seats up to eight). You must select at least one. (Do NOT mix General and Reserved Reservations.)
2. Once you have selected the number you want, click Now CLICK HERE.
3. On the next page, you can choose whether your making reservations for yourself or on behalf of someone else. Click NEXT.
4. Enter the names of your guests. If you logged in, your name will appear automatically. If you did not log in, you will need to enter your name, as well. Please enter the first and last name of each of your guests. Include additional information if you want (if you add an email address, each person will receive a confirmation).
5. Review your registration then proceed to payment.
You're done!