John C. Pflaum Lectures in History (1972-present)

The Pflaum Lectures in History are supported by income from a fund contributed to by students and friends of the late Professor John C. Pflaum in appreciation of his effective teaching. The lectures bring to campus scholars who, like Professor Pflaum, are particularly successful in oral presentation of historical topics. The first lecture was held in the spring of 1972 in honor of Pflaum's retirement; the speaker was Dr. Bell I. Wiley, who provided his insight on "Some Glimpses of the Confederacy High Brass." Although the original intention of the lectures was to provide scholars for topics in history that were of particular interest to Prof. Pflaum, the area has since been much expanded, as the professor himself showed a wide variety of interests in his historical pursuits. The list of Pflaum lecturers since 1972 includes such notable scholars as Edward Acton, Grayton Tunstall, John Voll, Mercedes Vilanova, and former Assistant Secretary of State Harold H. Saunders.