The Story of the Confederate States Patent Office

National Civil War Museum

hjknight — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:49:36 +0000

Times flies when you aren’t blogging. Back in September I had a great visit at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, for their opening of their exhibit To Further the Cause: Inventions & Innovations of the Civil War. They had a nice reception prior to my talk, and were wonderful hosts. I finally downloaded the pictures from the event (why do we leave such things in our cameras?) and shown here are some of the great staff and local supporters at the Museum, along with a photo of me in action.

If you live in the area and haven’t stopped by, you should. They have a great location and a nice collection of Civil War items and strong support in the community. They also have some special interactive and video items that should appeal to the media-demanding younger generation. More than anything else, you can feel the museum is alive; the folks there are active on new programs and providing history in a new way.

The National Civil War Museum Sept 15th.

hjknight — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:30:20 +0000

On Thursday, September 15th I will be speaking in Harrisburg, PA at the National Civil War Museum at their Exhibit Opening Reception for their new exhibit “To Further Their Cause: Inventions & Innovations of the Civil War”. Details are here: http://www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org/?q=node/567

Lecture in Richmond on September 14th

hjknight — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 03:37:55 +0000

I will be giving a lecture on the Confederate Patent Office at the Museum of the Confederacy at 6:00 to 7:30 PM on September 14. This as part of the University of South Carolina Citizens’ School for Science and Technology, in partnership with the Museum of the Confederacy and VCU Science, Technology, and Society lecture series. They are asking that you preregister and they are having other weekly sessions, find more information by clicking the cannon link on the left on the main Museum of the Confederacy webpage at: www.moc.org

Specific info and registration for my lecture can be found at: http://www.moc.org/site/Calendar/349950318?view=Detail&id=103901

Great Time with the Federal Circuit Historical Society

hjknight — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:19:09 +0000

I had a wonderful experience on June 2nd with the Federal Circuit Historical Society at the Dolley Madison House on Lafayette Square in Washington, DC, where I gave the spring lecture on the Confederate States Patent Office. What a wonderful group and experience. The Dolley Madison House, one of a small group of remaining townhouses on the east side of the square, serves as conference and reception space for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Jim McKeown was kind enough to invite me to give the lecture and Pat McDermott made sure of all the arrangements. Alicia Greene and Patricia Kreuzburg of Offsite Books helped me with the book signing… everything was perfect and folks seemed to be happy with the lecture. My host was James Barney, who treated me to lunch and told me he has his own debut novel, “The Genesis Key” coming out this month. His book is a thriller, already has great recommendations and I can hardly wait to get my copy.

James was kind enough to pose with me under the watchful eye of Dolley. I wonder whether Dolley prefers him or me?

I met a lot of great, friendly people and had a great time!

Books Are Available!

hjknight — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:12:11 +0000

Today is May 11th, and I am told that copies of Confederate Invention are now in the warehouse and can now be ordered by booksellers. While the official publication date is in June, it is likely anyone that pre-ordered via various on-line places could get them in a couple of weeks. It’s such an exciting time!

Welcome to the Confederate Invention blog!

hjknight — Sun, 01 May 2011 02:47:55 +0000

Welcome! This blog will provide information on my new book Confederate Invention: The Story of the Confederate States Patent Office and Its Inventors, just published by LSU Press. I have several talks lined up to discuss the book, so look for information about them here!