Andy Waskie presented a fascinating study of Octavius Valentine Catto a brilliant scholar, professor, Renaissance Man and the highest-ranking Black US Army officer at the time, who was serving in the PA National Guard.
Cato was assassinated a few steps from his South Street home by political opponents of the Black community. It was Election Day 1871, and Catto was protecting the right of African American citizens to vote.
Waskie was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, but noted he has ancestors scattered throughout the local area.
Waskie was an Associate Professor at Temple University for 20 years, retiring in 2019. He also taught at Rider University, N.J., and Holy Family University in Philadelphia, teaching Civil War history in the Civil War Institute. He now teaches online courses for Camden County College; Manor College; etc.
Waskie is a Civil War historian, author, and preservationist. He specializes in the life of General George G. Meade, whom he portrays in a Living-History performance. He is a member of the Union League of Philadelphia, among many other organizations.
As usual we held our monthly preservation book raffle with winners pictured below.
Claire spoke about an upcoming field trip to Richmond VA in June.
Laura spoke about a change in schedule for March - details to be announced shortly.
