Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Invites Public to Lecture and Book Signing at Pamplin Historical Park

PETERSBURG, VA--(Marketwired - Apr 25, 2016) -  Pamplin Historical Park founder and owner Robert B. Pamplin Jr. invites the public to learn about the dramatic 1864 Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid on Richmond through a talk presented by Dr. Bruce M. Venter, author and Civil War expert. The presentation will take place on Saturday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Pamplin Historical Park's Education Center. This event is free with park admission and open to the public.

"At Pamplin Historical Park, we strive to nurture a deeper appreciation and understanding of our nation's past," said Pamplin. "By hosting experts like Bruce Venter, we are able to expose visitors to the unique, fascinating and often multi-faceted stories of America's Civil War heritage."

The ostensible objective of the 1864 Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid on Richmond was to free some 13,000 Union prisoners of war held in the Confederate capital. However, orders found on the body of the raid's subordinate commander, Col. Ulric Dahlgren, point instead to a plot to capture or kill Confederate president Jefferson Davis and set Richmond ablaze. What really happened, and how and why, are debated to this day.

Venter's new book, "Kill Jeff Davis: The Union Raid on Richmond, 1864," offers a fresh look at the failed raid and mines newly discovered documents and little-known sources to provide definitive answers. In his detailed and deeply researched account of the most famous cavalry raid of the Civil War, Venter describes an expedition that was carefully planned but poorly executed. A host of factors foiled the raid: bad weather, poor logistics, inadequate command and control, ignorance of the terrain, the failures of supporting forces, and the leaders' personal and professional shortcomings.

Venter's thoughtful reinterpretations and well-reasoned observations put to rest many myths and misperceptions. The book is available for purchase through the Civil War Store at Pamplin Historical Park and Venter will sign copies of his book at the conclusion of the event.

For more information about Venter's talk or general park inquiries, call (804) 861-2408 or visit www.pamplinpark.org. Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier are located at 6125 Boydton Plank Road in Petersburg.

About Pamplin Historical Park
One of "Virginia's Best Places to Visit," according to the Travel Channel, and designated as a National Historic Landmark, Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is a 424-acre Civil War campus located in Dinwiddie County, Va., offering a combination of high-tech museums and hands-on experiences. The park has four world-class museums and four antebellum homes. The park is the site of the Petersburg Breakthrough of April 2, 1865, and hosts America's premier Civil War participatory experience, Civil War Adventure Camp. For more information, please call 804-861-2408 or visit www.pamplinpark.org.

About Robert B. Pamplin Jr.
Robert B. Pamplin Jr. has earned eight degrees -- including two doctorates -- in business, economics, accounting, education and theology. He has been honored nationally as a businessman, philanthropist, ordained minister, educator, historical preservationist and author of 23 books and comic books, including two book-of-the-month club selections. Pamplin's business interests include media (the Portland Tribune and 25 community newspapers), textiles, construction and agriculture. He has been awarded many honorary degrees and featured in national magazines, in newspapers and on television. He has served on presidential and state commissions, and he has been chairman of the board of trustees of three colleges. Pamplin is widely recognized as America's leading historical preservationist and foremost diversified entrepreneur. For more information, visit www.pamplin.org.