Westfield Historical Society’s

April  1, 2026 First Wednesday Luncheon:

Betrayal: General George McClellan, the Peninsula Campaign and the death of General Philip Kearn

For the Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon series in April guests are welcome to a luncheon at Echo Lake Country Club at 515 Springfield Ave, Westfield, NJ 07090 on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, beginning with check-in at 11:45am (usually ends @2:15).  

Historian and author Brian E. Dunleavy will present a talk examining one of the Civil War’s most controversial episodes, drawing from his 2023 book on the Peninsula Campaign of 1862. The lecture revisits the leadership of Gen. George B. McClellan, focusing on internal conflict, command failures, and the circumstances surrounding the death of Gen. Philip Kearny at the Battle of Chantilly. Dunleavy’s presentation challenges long‑held assumptions and offers a fresh perspective on betrayal and accountability within the Union high command.