n 1861, as Virginia deliberated whether to secede from the Union, the state’s northwestern counties began debating whether to secede from Virginia. The American Civil War Museum welcomes Marshall University’s Kevin Barksdale for a Civil War Conversation exploring the political, economic and social forces behind the creation of America’s 35th state, Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of the Confederacy   — Appomattox.

Cost, including a reception prior to the program, is $10 for adults and $5 for members. The reception begins at 6:30, with the talk following from 7-8 p.m.