Stockton, NJ/Fort Monroe, VA (May 20, 2002) History buffs can experience one of the cruelest battles in history in which Napoleon opened the way to Moscow in 1812 at Borodino 2002, a non-profit historical conference held September 5 - 8 at Fort Monroe, an active military base in Southeast Virginia.
Featured during the Borodino conference will be discussions with many of the top Napoleonic historians, coordinated by MagWeb.com, the largest military history archive on the web, as well as diplomatic speakers from various consulates, a film series, reenactors, a dealer area, and a giant, computer-moderated simulation similar to those run by the US Military Academy at West Point to train its officers. The computer simulation will recreate the Battle of Borodino across a series of maps and three-dimensional terrain using thousands of miniature troops to track positioning during the battle, similar to an interactive museum diorama. Attendees will actively participate by commanding the troops during the conference.
Part of the excitement of this event is its location, says Russ Lockwood, CEO of MagWeb.com, coordinator of the educational portion of the event. Fort Monroe is a Vaubaun-style moat-encircled six-sided fortress built in 1819. It is the only one of its kind left in the United States.
MagWeb.com has signed on some of the most renowned Napoleonic historians to highlight the conference. Confirmed to speak at the event are:
Jean Lochet of Metuchen, NJ is an author, publisher, editor, and historian who has covered Napoleonic topics for almost 40 years. Known primarily as editor and publisher of the magazines Empires, Eagles, and Lions and later editor-in-chief of Napoleon magazine, he has penned thousands of articles over the years. The breadth and depth of his knowledge about all things Napoleonic makes him a national treasure. His upcoming book about French cavalry operations will be published in late 2002, and his lectures will reflect this new research.
Dana Lombardy of Berkeley, CA is publisher of Napoleon magazine, guest lecturer, and expert seen on various History Channel shows. He will bring his 20 years of insight in a series of lectures covering the transformation of Napoleonic artillery, uniform research, and the business of publishing Napoleonic information. He has recently started a book company to expand the knowledge of the period.
Richard Partridge is editor of Age of Napoleon, a British magazine published by Partisan Press. He will be crossing the ocean to share his almost 20 years of researching, writing, and publishing on all things of the period. His lectures will focus on the Napoleonic scene in the UK and provide information about BBC productions like Sharpe, Horatio Hornblower, and others.
Dave Watkins is editor and publisher of First Empire, a 10-year-old bimonthly British magazine covering all aspects of the Napoleonic period. He, too, will be crossing the "pond" to talk about the UK, including UK re-enactments (he's a re-enactor who has participated in many a "battle" in Europe), and ties to the Napoleonic Association, research, and Ian Barstow.
Kevin Zucker of Baltimore, MD is author, designer, and historian who has covered Napoleonic topics for the last 25 years in print and on-line. His credits include the recently released Highway to the Kremlin, Napoleon at Bay, 1806, La Guerre de l'Empereur, The Last Days of the Grande Armee, Bonaparte in Italy, and others. He has also led an annual tour of Napoleonic battlefields across Europe for the past decade. His lectures will cover the 1812 campaign and designing historical simulations.
We are going to put the speakers to the test, says Lockwood. During the panel discussion, participants can ask them any question about the Napoleonic period, no matter how obscure. Those who stump the scholars will receive a prize.
PBS will be filming the conference for an upcoming episode of a military analysis series on great battles in history.
The conference costs $150 and includes all educational programs, events, and meals. Spectator day passes are available at the door for $25, which allow access to lectures and demonstrations, but exclude meals and active participation in the computer simulation. For more information on Borodino 2002, visit www.MagWeb.com.
Contact: Beth Brody, Brody PR, 609-397-3737, bebrody@aol.com
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