Ron Kirkwood, the guest speaker for our September meeting, authored two books, published over a five-year span, that share experiences of those whose lives were impacted by their time at/near the Spangler Farm in Gettysburg—both the soldiers who fought there and the Spangler family, owners of land where fighting took place in 1863. In doing so, Ron has gifted us with “snapshots” that offer a greater and intimate understanding of the fighting at/near the Spangler Farm and its varied outcomes and impacts.
After three years of painstakingly sifting through available online ancestry information, the folks Ron eventually reached out to were recipients of a great gift: Knowledge that one of their ancestors had fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, either on or near to the Spangler Farm property. In doing so, Ron has done more than add to already existing documentation of an important chapter in American history. He has invited more people to join in the important work of keeping alive Civil War history.
Although Ron’s efforts and our Round Table’s stated purposes may be somewhat different, we and he are essentially on the same mission. I can’t think of a better person to have helped us to kick off our Round Table’s Campaign 48.
We’re off to a great start! And I am looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday, October 7th.
Barry