The Virginia and West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commissions joined with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and other partners in June 2009 to mark the beginning of the national commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. As a key part of the program, Dr. Peter Carmichael, Eberly Professor of Civil War Studies at West Virginia University, moderated a panel of distinguished historians who discussed "Opportunities of the Civil War Sesquicentennial: Understanding Our Past, Embracing Our Future." Panelists discussed the unparalleled opportunity that the sesquicentennial commemoration presents in terms of broadening knowledge of the Civil War, engaging new audiences, and land preservation. Several panelists contrasted the differences between the centennial and the sesquicentennial, citing how the interpretation of Civil War history has evolved during the intervening 50 years and will yield more inclusive, balanced commemoration.