Please join us for this month's Coffee With the Curator presentation, "Flirting With the Devil: Female Espionage During the American Civil War," presented by Dillon O'Keefe!

The Civil War is typically remembered as a man’s war. For generations, teachers have taught their students about the great men: leaders, both North and South who contributed to the conflict. Millions of Americans can name off the famous generals, key battles, and the Presidents of the Union and the Confederacy. What about the ladies?

Gender during the Civil War is an oft-neglected topic. Espionage is a case in point. Women contributed to the spy rings of the Union and Confederacy alike. Regardless of their political opinions or social stature, women took the war to a new form. Espionage is often described as the underbelly of warfare, regarded by many as being beneath the high standards society held for the ladies at the time. Whether cross-dressing and impersonating men or penetrating the inner circles of the elite, these women made profound contributions to the war through their service.  They made incredible contributions to our understanding of gender as well. Please join me as I introduce you to some of the most flamboyant and dangerous women of the Civil War.

About the Speaker:

Dillon O’Keefe is an Adjunct Professor of History at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. He specializes in 19^th Century Military History, British History, German History, and 19^th Century Women’s History. Other fields of study include the History of Immigration and Aviation in the United States.  Professor O’Keefe studied at the Justus-Liebig University in Giessen, Germany, as well as Emporia State. He is an avid fan of American Football, Curling, and Quidditch. He currently lives in Osage City, Kansas with his wife and son, and in May will be welcoming the newest member of their family. He last presented at the Museum of World Treasures in July, 2018 giving his presentation, “The Fighting Butterflies: Zouaves of the Civil War.”

Choose from three ways to join the presentation:

• In-person: Join us at the Museum for Dillon's live, in-person presentation! Face coverings and social distancing will be required while in the Museum. No need to register — simply walk in! Coffee and tea, generously provided by The Spice Merchant - Wichita's Gourmet Coffee & Tea Roaster, and pre-packaged refreshments provided.
• Virtually via Zoom (free for Members with discount code)
• Virtually via YouTube Livestream (free for Members with discount code)

cLICK HERE TO REGISTER VIRTUALLY

For those who sign up virtually: Everything you need to tune in will be sent to you in a follow-up email after registration is complete.

Admission: $4 for nonmembers, Members are free!

This program is in partnership with Humanities Kansas’ Humanities Hotline. Call 1-888-416-2018 any time to hear short history stories with different topics every month!