Interview with ACHS's Andrew Dalton about Shriver House Acquisition

Emerging Civil War

By Chris Mackowski on January 8, 2025

The Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) in Gettysburg announced a major acquisition this week. The ACHS has assumed ownership and management of the renowned Shriver House Museum, located in the heart of historic downtown.

“This expansion will unite two institutions with a shared commitment to preserving and illumination Gettysburg's civilian experience during one of the most pivotal moments in American history,” said ACHS Executive Director Andrew Dalton.

ECW has an exclusive interview with Andrew about the new acquisition:

https://emergingcivilwar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Shriver-House-Andrew-Dalton.mp4

Death of Mort Künstler (1927-2025) Artist Portraying the Civil War

February 7, 2025 by Gettysburg Connection

Mort Künstler, renowned as America’s most prominent historical artist, passed away on February 2, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Rockville Centre, New York. He was 97 years old.

During a career that spanned seven decades, he will perhaps be remembered most for his realistic and detailed paintings of the Civil War. Born into a European Jewish family (some sources state his birth year as 1931), his interest in drawing was sparked during his youth. While attending Brooklyn College, he focused on sports and excelled in football, track & field, and swimming. He studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Pratt Institute.

An excursion to Mexico on a motorcycle with a classmate led to further experience painting, and after graduation, he landed a position at New York’s Neeley Associates Illustration Studio.

Künstler became a freelance artist and found work for various men’s adventure magazines, in addition to artwork for paperbacks. This led to opportunities with The Saturday Evening Post and National Geographic Magazine. During the 1970s, he produced movie posters for the motion pictures The Poseidon Adventure (1972) and The Taking of Pelham, One Two, Three (1974). His Civil War artwork became official U.S. postage stamps during the 1990s. In 2011, his portrayal of George Washington crossing the Delaware River was unveiled. His works are displayed in museums nationwide, as well as in Canada and Europe.

In 1982, a commission for CBS-TV’s miniseries The Blue and the Gray ignited Künstler’s interest in the Civil War. By 1988, he focused almost exclusively on Civil War subjects, earning him the title of “most collected Civil War artist in America.” His dedication to authenticity led him to consult with historians and visit battlefields, ensuring each painting was a faithful representation of history.

Künstler’s work was showcased in numerous exhibitions, including the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Nassau County Museum of Art. His 1998 exhibition at the Nassau County Museum attracted over 30,000 visitors, surpassing previous attendance records. His artwork was prominently featured in Gettysburg through exhibitions and local galleries, including King James Galleries, which regularly displayed and sold his pieces.

Beyond the Civil War, his art encompassed events like the Oklahoma Land Rush and the experiences of immigrants at Ellis Island, reflecting his ability to humanize historical moments. His legacy is one of dedication to historical accuracy and artistic excellence. His paintings continue to educate and inspire, offering viewers a window into America’s past.

Vandalism At Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

NPS Is Investigating Vandalism At Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

As Published in NationAl Parks Traveller

Compiled from NPS Releases January 30, 2025

The Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument Visitor Center / NPS

The National Park Service is investigating a troubling act of vandalism and theft at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument in Kentucky. Park staff recently discovered that wood siding had been stripped from a historic barn near Highway 235 in Nancy, Kentucky—an act that not only damages an irreplaceable piece of history but also violates federal law. NPS law enforcement is working closely with local authorities to track down those responsible for this senseless destruction.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Mill Springs Battlefield administrative office at 606-636-4045.

The mission of the National Park Service is to protect and preserve sites like Mill Springs Battlefield so future generations can learn from and experience them. This crime undermines that mission, and in response, the park has now implemented 24-hour surveillance across all NPS-owned lands and structures within the monument.

Visitors are reminded that the battlefield and its trails are open from dawn to dusk year-round, but motor vehicles are strictly limited to designated roads and parking areas. All vehicles must be removed from the Zollicoffer Park and Visitor Center parking lots before closing. While walking the grounds is encouraged, driving onto the battlefield or other protected areas is prohibited. All outdoor areas are closed from sunset to sunrise to prevent further damage or unauthorized access.

Preserving a site of such historical significance requires the respect and cooperation of everyone who visits. The National Park Service urges the public to help safeguard this landmark and report any suspicious activity.

Stories about:

• Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

The "Hardest Test in History" - Gettysburg Battlefield Guide

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article which it entitled, “Civil War Buffs Drill For the “Hardest Test in History.”

James Fenelli described in a December 5t, 2024 what it takes to be a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park.He writes that the test has gained “mythic status among Civil War buffs for its degree of difficulty and slim passing rate.”

Hopefuls have even moved from out of state in order to study on site and gained the knowledge about all aspects of the battle, and events leading up to and following theose three days in July 1863.

The Journal said the urge to become a guide develops in many people when they are youngsters and become fascinated with the batle and its impact on United States history.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTCLE

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A TIK-TOK VIDEO released by the Journal

What’s Happening at Gettysburg's Lincoln Cemetery

From Gettysburg Connections
January 16, 2025 by Community Contributors

 As many in our community know, Lincoln Cemetery has been a well-kept secret for years. This historic Black cemetery, established in 1867, is located behind the emergency room entrance of WellSpan Hospital in Gettysburg.

For many years, Lincoln Cemetery was under the dedicated care and leadership of Mrs. Betty Dorsey Myers. However, due to health challenges, Mrs. Myers could no longer serve as the cemetery’s historian and caretaker. Alongside Jean Howard Green, Mrs. Myers was one of the last two individuals overseeing the cemetery’s care. As Mrs. Myers’ health declined, Jean stepped up to honor her promise to safeguard the cemetery’s legacy.

In 2023, Jean Howard Green established a new 10-member board for the Lincoln Cemetery Project Association (LCPA). This board includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including descendants of those buried at the cemetery. Initially, the board met monthly to strategize and organize, but now it meets quarterly to review progress and plan for the future.

Key Accomplishments and Updates

1.    Restoration of the Rostrum: Repairs have been completed on the rostrum, where loose bricks were resecured to the cement structure.

2.    Tree Removal: An 80-year-old fallen spruce tree was safely removed.

3.    Gate Repainting: Interior gates surrounding private graves have been restored and repainted.

4.    Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): A survey identified graves of individuals without headstones.

5.    Grave Markers for the Unknown: Markers for 136 previously unmarked graves have been ordered and will replace the orange flags currently in place. They are expected to arrive in March 2025.

6.    Continued Programs: LCPA has reinstated and maintained traditional programs:

1.    Annual Memorial Day Program: Held on the Sunday before Memorial Day, allowing attendees to honor both this and the Gettysburg National Military Park’s program.

2.    Remembrance Day Program: Held each year on the same day as the Gettysburg Remembrance Day Parade to honor the United States Colored Troops.

7.    Ownership and Historic Recognition: LCPA has officially acquired ownership of Lincoln Cemetery. On June 4, 2024, Jean Howard Green accepted the nomination for Lincoln Cemetery to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. One final stage remains for completion.

8.    Signage and Accessibility: New signage displays cemetery rules, regulations, and open-day schedules. A brochure box has been installed at the main entrance on Lincoln Lane.

9.    Special Tours: The cemetery is open on special occasions such as Independence Day and Juneteenth. Guided tours are available between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, or by appointment. Donations are welcomed.

10.      Online Presence: Visit us at lincolncemeterygettysburg.org or on Facebook at Lincoln Cemetery at Gettysburg. You can also contact us via email at lincolncemeteryassociation@gmail.com.

11.      Collaboration with ACHS: LCPA and the Adams County Historical Society are partnering to create a new Black History Museum in Gettysburg. The museum will be housed in the historic Hopkins House on South Washington Street. More updates on this exciting project will be shared as it progresses.

Call for Volunteers and Gratitude

We are seeking volunteers to help place the “Unknown” grave markers when they arrive. If you’re interested in contributing, please contact us via email.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported our programs and to those who generously donated to Lincoln Cemetery through the 2024 Giving Spree. Your support means so much to us!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our mission to preserve and celebrate the history of Lincoln Cemetery.

Sincerely,
Jean Howard Green
President, Lincoln Cemetery Project Association

Fort Pulaski National Monument Gains OK To Improve Visitor Services

From National Parks Traveler Jan 13, 2025

Fort Pulaski National Monument in Georgia has been given the final OK to move forward with improvements to visitor services and facilities.

The Development Concept Plan and Environmental Assessment will provide Fort Pulaski with a consistent planning framework. Selected actions include: 

• Establish new desired conditions for visitor use and experience, natural and cultural resources, and facilities and infrastructure.

• Relocate the entrance station and widen the entrance road.

• Improve visitor center parking and visitor safety.

• Improve picnic area Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) accessibility.

• Relocate Volunteer-In-Parks (VIP) campsites and construct a new building for maintenance, resource programs, and law enforcement staff and equipment.

The plan/Environmental Assessment also establishes visitor capacities for Cockspur Island. The signed FONSI and final DCP/EA can be found here.

For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies. However, during the Civil War, new technology proved its superiority over these forts. Using rifled cannons, the U.S. Army compelled the Confederate garrison inside Fort Pulaski to surrender. The siege was a landmark experiment in the history of military science and invention.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah.

Adams County Historical Society is New Owner of Shriver House Museum

****NEWS FLASH ****

Emerging Civil War recently conducted an interview about thIS acquisition.

Watch the interview by CLICKING HERE

The Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) is thrilled to announce that it has assumed ownership and management of the renowned Shriver House Museum, located in the heart of historic downtown Gettysburg. This expansion will unite two institutions with a shared commitment to preserving and illumination Gettysburg's civilian experience during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. The museum, located at 309 Baltimore Street, is an impeccably restored Civil-War era home that offers an authentic look into the lives of the Shriver family. ACHS is honored to to continue the legacy of Del and Nancie Gudmestad of meticulous preservation, education, and community engagement.

ACHS has appointed Abbie Hoffman, a longtime guide at the Shriver House Museum and the current Director of Programs & Events at ACHS, as the new Director of the Shriver House Museum. The Shriver House Museum will open on March 1st, 2025.

Members of the Adams County Historical Society will receive free admission to the Shriver House Museum as an added membership benefit. Advanced booking is recommended for the guided tour experience. Additional details on how to book your tour will be available soon on the Shriver House website.

Gettysburg Foundation Announces 2025 Schedule for “An Evening with the Painting”

Gettysburg Foundation Announces “An Evening with the Painting”

2025 Program Schedule

A Popular Program on the Gettysburg Cyclorama Painting Continues to Draw Visitors
Behind the Scenes for a Closer Look at the Largest Oil-on-Canvas Painting in North America.

Gettysburg, Pa. (Dec. 18, 2024)—The Gettysburg Foundation is pleased to offer area residents and visitors to Gettysburg the opportunity to experience “An Evening with the Painting” on select dates in 2025. A popular program on the historic Gettysburg Cyclorama in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, the first presentation in 2025 will take place Saturday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. The after-hours program provides a behind-the-scenes experience and a close-up look at the restored painting with a presentation combining history, art and preservation.

Painted in the 1880s by French artist Paul Philippoteaux and a team of artists, the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama is an immense work of art measuring 42 feet high and 377 feet long. The Gettysburg Cyclorama is one of the largest, free-standing paintings in North America. A rendition of "Pickett's Charge" on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the painting is suspended in-the-round from the ceiling. This massive piece of history creates a remarkable 360-degree, three-dimensional appearance when viewed from the platform.

An Evening with the Painting explores the history of the genre of cycloramas and the iconic Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama. The presentation covers the creation of this historic piece of art, the rich symbolism found in the painting and the extensive conservation effort to restore the canvas visitors experience today. Ticket holders spend extended time on the viewing platform to observe the close-up details and distant battle scenes depicted in the painting. Guests journey under the diorama to get a better view of how the three-dimensional “illusion” comes alive. Time is provided for Q&A.

Limited to 40 attendees, each presentation offers ticket holders approximately two hours of programming. The program begins in the Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center and continues on the Cyclorama platform. The program will be presented on the following schedule:

Saturday, Jan. 18, 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, June 28, 5-7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 10, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, July 5, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, March 15, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, July 19, 5-7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 14, 4-6 & 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, April 12, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 9, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, May 24, 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 5-7 p.m.

Ticket reservations for An Evening with the Painting are available by calling the Gettysburg Foundation Guest Relations team at 717-334-2436 or by visiting GettysburgFoundation.org. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at the Ticket Counter inside the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, Pa. Friends of Gettysburg receive a special member rate when purchasing tickets for this program. The Gettysburg Foundation is the official non-profit partner of the National Parks at Gettysburg. Proceeds from ticket purchases benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.

Gettysburg Winter Lecture Series -- Weekends in January & February

Winter Lecture Series 2025

Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m.
January 4 through February 23, 2025
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

Featuring some of the best Rangers, historians, and authors from across the country, this popular eight-week Winter Lecture Series will once again return to the Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) Museum and Visitor Center in 2025!

The Winter Lecture Series (detail in link below) is held at 1:30 p.m. on weekends in the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center from January 4 through February 23, 2025. Seating is available on a first come – first serve basis. Free tickets are available day of at the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center. Schedule is subject to change.

Thanks to the Gettysburg Foundation, all presentations will be recorded and made available on the Gettysburg Foundation YouTube channel at Gettysburg Foundation - YouTube. 
No live stream will be available.

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE

Battle of the Bulge 80th Anniversary Commemoration at Gettysburg National Cemetery

American soldiers march down a snow-covered road during the Battle of the Bulge.

Photo courtesy of The National WWII Museum New Orleans.

Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge with Special National Cemetery Program on December 14th

Gettysburg PA—Eighty years ago this December, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Allied forces faced one of their greatest challenges of World War II when the Battle of the Bulge erupted in the Ardennes Forest. More than 30 Americans who died in the Battle of the Bulge are buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery. On Saturday, December 14, join a park ranger in Gettysburg National Cemetery at 3 pm for a special ranger-guided walking tour to commemorate the 80th anniversary of this battle.

In December 1944, a massive German assault left a gaping hole in Allied lines, leading to thousands of troops cut off from reinforcement, as well as thousands more killed, wounded, captured, or missing. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest and costliest battle of World War II for American forces. Nearly one out of every ten American casualties in the war occurred in this month-long battle.

This free guided walking tour will explore the stories of these Americans who, in General Eisenhower’s words, “endured greatly in their country’s cause” 80 years ago. This hour-long program will meet at the Taneytown Road entrance to the national cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to dress for the elements and check the Eisenhower NHS website (www.nps.gov/eise) and Facebook page for updates in the event of inclement weather. In the event this program is postponed, there is a rain date of Monday, December 16, also at 3 pm.