Professor Gary Gallagher moderated a roundtable discussion on how the Civil War impacted everyday life of American families and households, as well as America's industry and agriculture. The panelists also responded to questions from members of the audience.

"The Home Front" was the first panel of the symposium, "The Civil War: Fresh Perspectives." The symposium on November 20, 2010, was held in the McGowan Theater in conjunction with the National Archives exhibition, "Discovering the Civil War," marking the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. It was presented in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives, the University of Richmond, the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, and the Civil War Round Table of the District of Columbia.