BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMMING ON PCN Civil war historians and enthusiasts meet on America’s most famous battlefield every year to walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought there in July of 1863. The Battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest fight to ever take place on American soil, is explained to visitors and PCN viewers by Gettysburg National Military Park Rangers (GNMP) and licensed battlefield guides from the National Park Service like Rangers Troy Harman and Matt Atkinson. This year's coverage also includes a LIVE Call-In Program with guests from the Confederation of Union Generals (COUG) portraying historical figures of the time, discussions and roundtables from the Civil War Institute, and interviews with various Gettysburg experts. Watch our Gettysburg anniversary programming from July 1-4. For program times, please visit PCNTV.com/gettysburg.
A Summer of Restoration for the Kirkland Monument at Fredericksburg Battlefield
From The Emerging Civil War…
The Sergeant Kirkland Monument within the boundaries of Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania National Military Park and near the Sunken Road and Marye’s Heights is an iconic symbol. Depicting the Confederate sergeant giving water to a wounded Union soldier, it’s a powerful reminder of both the incident in Fredericksburg’s battle history and of the compassion that was shown by some in the aftermath of combat.
This summer the Kirkland Monument is undergoing planned restoration by the National Park Service. So, if you happen to visit and see the dismantled statue, it’s actually good news. The base and pedestal is getting reinforced and the sculpture is getting cleaned and preserved. Yes, it’s all going to be put back together!
Here is a close up of the new interpretive panel explaining the process and preservation goals:
Gettysburg NMP Announces Summer Programming to Resume
2021 Summer and Battle Anniversary Ranger Programs Announced
Gettysburg, Pa. (June 9, 2021)— Gettysburg National Military Park is pleased to announce Ranger walks, talks, and hikes will resume beginning Saturday, June 12. These interpretive programs will offer visitors a chance to learn about the people and places that made history during the Battle of Gettysburg. Hike the fields of Pickett’s Charge, explore the rocky summit of Little Round Top, reflect on the words of the Gettysburg Address, and much more. There are a host of new and exciting offerings that will appeal to first time and repeat visitors alike.
Additionally, Gettysburg National Military Park will commemorate the 158th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg with special in-person programming and interpretive experiences throughout the three-day battle anniversary from July 1-3, 2021. These programs include special talks that provide an overview of key battlefield moments, an in-depth Battle Walk that will explore Pickett’s Charge, the climactic moment of the battle, and special evening programs at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Additionally, park staff will provide unique and behind the scenes access to some of the iconic buildings on the battlefield landscape.
“After a year of connecting with visitors virtually, we’re excited to be back out on the battlefield. The summer season, and especially the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, is a special time for our staff and our visitors. To be able to share the inspiring, tragic, and relevant stories of the battle and its aftermath. Our professional Park Rangers make the past come to life on this hallowed ground,” said Superintendent Steven Sims.
Please Note: Our special July 1-3 Battle Anniversary program schedule will replace the regularly scheduled summer program schedule from July 1-3. All regularly scheduled summer programs resume on July 4. The schedule is subject to change and is weather dependent. Water, headgear, sun protection, insect repellent, and sturdy footwear are highly recommended. All programs are free of charge.
The full Summer schedule can be found on our website at https://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/interpretation.htm.
The full July 1-3 Battle Anniversary schedule can be found on our website at https://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/battle-anniversary-158.htm.
All programs will be conducted consistent with CDC recommendations. People who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. Masks are required for everyone on all forms of public transportation. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
Gettysburg National Military Park is a unit of the National Park Service that preserves and protects the resources associated with the Battle of Gettysburg, the Gettysburg National Cemetery, and provides an understanding of the events that occurred there within the context of American history. For a complete listing of all of the free summer ranger programs, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/gett for additional information.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Opens Renovated Museum And Visitor Center
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Opens Renovated Museum And Visitor Center
from National Parks Traveler
By NPT Staff - May 31st, 2021
An expanded museum and redesigned visitors center has opened at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in Missouri after 18 months of renovations.
The $3.5 million project added roughly 1,800 square feet to the park's museum, and also redesigned the bookstore, information desk and bathrooms, added curatorial storage and employee workspaces, and installed a new HVAC system to ensure the long-term preservation of museum artifacts and visitor comfort.
“It is my honor to bring this project to a successful conclusion and welcome visitors, near and far, to once again learn more about this significant historical event and experience the new exhibits,” Wilson’s Creek Superintendent Sarah Cunningham said during Friday's opening celebration. “We could not have accomplished this substantial improvement to the visitor experience and protection of the collection without the strong partnership of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation, the work of many dedicated employees and volunteers, and the support of the National Park Foundation.
The renovation added approximately 1,800 square feet of museum exhibit space, which enables visitors to view the park’s extensive collection of Civil War artifacts. It features the original “Lyon bed,” where the body of Union General Nathaniel Lyon was laid after his death during the battle of Wilson’s Creek.
Visitors will also see new displays of the park’s impressive collection of edged weapons and firearms, including a rare Model 1860 Henry repeating rifle, recently donated to the park by the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. The museum provides for several interactive and accessible audio-visual displays and virtual displays, making it possible for people to view historic weapons demonstrations and digitally view fragile artifacts and other items in storage.
All the renovations, including expansion of the museum, were kept within the existing footprint of the Visitor Center complex. The John K. and Ruth Hulston Civil War Research Library also has reopened to the public.
“Our Foundation is pleased to have played a significant role in the completion of the visitor center renovation project by providing a portion of the funding, purchasing important artifacts, and contributing to the funding of state-of-the-art video interpretations," said Garin Ferguson, president of the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. "The new museum exhibits will enhance the experience of more than 200,000 visitors who come to Wilson’s Creek each year. We are confident that this project exemplifies our mission of preserving and protecting Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.”
Funding for the project included $500,000 from the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation that was matched with $500,000 in federal funding authorized and appropriated for the National Park Foundation under the National Park Service Centennial Act.
Gettysburg College CWI Summer Conference Goes Virtual
Gettysburg College Civil War Institute
Registration is now OPEN for the June 11-June 13 virtual conference!
Note: Due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Federal, state, and college regulations about large gatherings, we have unfortunately made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s originally slated conference. There will be no in-person conference this year. All previously registered attendees will receive a full refund of their deposits.
2021 Conference
While we realize that a virtual conference event can never replicate the experience of in-person lectures, small group discussions, and battlefield excursions, it remains a high priority for us to provide quality programming for our loyal attendees and to allow for continued engagement between the CWI and the general public. Thus, we will be hosting a virtual event running from Friday, June 11 to Sunday, June 13. This event will feature interactive talks, roundtable discussions, and interviews with scholars, as well as pre-recorded interpretive battlefield experiences, which will be followed-up by live Q&A sessions with the guides. Attendees will be able to engage with the scholars and guides through the assigned event link which will enable them to submit questions and comments during the livestreams.
This virtual event is free of charge; however pre-registration is required, and donations to our new student experience fund are greatly appreciated. This fund is devoted to providing new professional opportunities for Gettysburg College students in the field of battlefield preservation and historical preservation. The fund will also support the expansion of the CWI’s high school scholarship program, which enables gifted high school students from around the country—and across the globe—to attend the CWI’s annual summer conference at minimal cost.
Questions
Please contact civilwar@gettysburg.edu or call Heather Miller at 717-337-6590.
Stolen War Department Marker Recovered at Antietam
Stolen War Department Marker Recovered at Antietam
Posted on Emerging Civil War site on May 29, 2021 by ECW Guest Post
Emerging Civil War welcomes guest author Matthew Chilton…
On February 22, 2021, I noticed a familiar item – seemingly a ca. 1890’s War Department directional marker – was being advertised for an upcoming estate sale at a local auction in Savage, Maryland. As a National Park Service Volunteer at Antietam National Battlefield, I immediately contacted park rangers and resources staff who confirmed that this marker was stolen. I gave them the contact information of the auction house, where park rangers later recovered it.
From our research, this was marker number 610, a ca. 1890s War Department marker that had been stolen from Antietam National Battlefield in 1985. The last people to possess the property are deceased, so it is difficult to trace. Based on Battery I’s known location, direction, and distance, we were able to locate the original location of the marker on modern day Maryland Route 34 between Rodman Avenue and the Middle Bridge.
Battery I, 5th US Artillery, was heavily engaged during the battles at Antietam and Shepherdstown. Under the command of Captain Stephen H. Weed, the battery expended more than 1,00 rounds of case shot between September 15 – 25. According to Confederate General James Longstreet, Battery I lobbed “the second best shot” he’d ever seen squarely in his direction during the Battle of Antietam.
According to Longstreet, ” General Lee and I were riding along my line and D. H. Hill’s, when we received a report of movements of the enemy and started up the ridge to make a reconnaissance. General Lee and I dismounted, but Hill declined to do so. I said to Hill, “If you insist on riding up there and drawing the fire, give us a little interval so that we may not be in the line of the fire when they open upon you.” General Lee and I stood on the top of the crest with our glasses, looking at the movements of the Federals on the rear left. After a moment I turned my glass to the right — the Federal left. As I did so, I noticed a puff of white smoke from the mouth of a cannon. “There is a shot for you,” I said to General Hill. The gunner was a mile away, and the cannon-shot came whisking through the air for three or four seconds and took off the front legs of the horse that Hill sat on and let the animal down upon his stumps. The horse’s head was so low and his croup so high that Hill was in a most ludicrous position. With one foot in the stirrup he made several efforts to get the other leg over the croup, but failed. Finally we prevailed upon him to try the other end of the horse, and he got down. He had a third horse shot under him before the close of the battle. That shot at Hill was the second best shot I ever saw.”[1]
Ezra Carman corroborates this account, writing…
“This incident occurred about 20 feet north of the Keedysville road and the shot was fired by Captain Stephen H. Weed, commanding Battery I, 5th United States Artillery.”[2]
Captain Stephen H. Weed would later be killed at the Battle of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863) defending Little Round Top.
At this time the park is trying to locate a suitable post for the marker, the original post having been removed during or following the 1985 theft . The marker will eventually be reinstalled in its original location on the battlefield.
Historical artifacts, like this item, that have been traded or sold multiple times, and may now be in hands of people who are innocent of the original act of theft or vandalism. These people may be completely unaware that they are in possession of stolen federal government property. While the original crime of removal has long since passed (the general statute for federal crimes is 5 years unless otherwise stated), every time an artifact changes hands, the new crime of receiving stolen federal property is being committed.
For NPS signs in particular, if a NPS sign is damaged to the point that it needs to be replaced, it is destroyed. Therefore, there are no legitimate circumstances when you would see one that is out of NPS control. If you see a similar item for sale, please contact the National Park Service.
Matthew Chilton works for the Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division PICS Unit as a legal administrative assistant. In addition, Chilton works for Value My Stuff Ltd as a expert consultant specializing in military antiques, antique and modern firearms, coins and currency, sports collectibles, and historical artifacts. Chilton volunteers at Antietam National Battlefield and the Newcomer House.
[1] Longstreet, James. “The Invasion of Maryland,” Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, Vol. 2, 671
[2] (Carman, Ezra, ed. Tom Clemens, The Maryland Campaign: Vol. 2, Antietam, 274)
POSTPONED ~ Memorial Day Ceremony at Nisky Hill Cemetery
Due to inclement weather - this event is postponed - to be rescheduled.
Please join the 153rd PA Volunteer Infantry reenacting group in a ceremony honoring the members of the original 153rd PVI who are buried at Nisky Hill Cemetery, as well as all veterans.
The ceremony will take place in the Nisky Hill Cemetery 254 East Church St., Bethlehem, PA on May 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM.
How Well Do You Know Gettysburg's Women's History?
The following quiz appears on the Destination Gettysburg website dated April 15, 2021.
We share the link with you… CLICK HERE
The women of Gettysburg endured quite a few hardships during the summer of 1863 and for quite a few months following. With the men off to war, the women of Gettysburg pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and began putting their town back together.
It is during the month of March we recognize the contributions of women to society and history, and without the women in Gettysburg, who knows what would have become of the town.
Take this quiz to test your knowledge of women in Adams County throughout history. Good luck and don’t forget to share your results with your friends!
We share the link with you… CLICK HERE
CANCELLED -- Thaddeus Stevens - A Webinar -- TO BE RESCHEDULED
The Thaddeus Steven Webinar has been cancelled at the request of the presenter.
It will be rescheduled.
Nat. Civil War Museum Community Free Day June 19 ~10 am - 4 pm
On June 19th, the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg is proud to provide a community-free day with activities and entertainment for the community, completely free of charge to visitors.
Click here for information
Museum guests will enjoy special presentations, children's activities, and a living history encampment.
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Coloring Activity Station
Period Clothing Station for children & adults to try on garments and take selfies
10:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM: *Living History Encampment -Thompson's Battery C
Museum visitors will see the flash and smell the smoke of Civil War muskets and rifles. Visitors are encouraged to visit the camps and ask living historians questions about their attire, food rations, and daily life.
Presentations (Times to be Determined)
Alaina Roberts - "Black Slaves & Indian Masters: A New Story of Reconstruction in the West"
In this presentation, Alaina E. Roberts will discuss the history of Black slave-owning among the Five Tribes (the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole Nations) and the Reconstruction project the United States enforced in Indian Territory (Oklahoma), which ended with the Black people in this region becoming the only group of former slaves in the world to receive reparations in the form of land.
Bio: Alaina E. Roberts is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research focuses on the intersection of African American and Native American history from the nineteenth century to the modern-day with particular attention to identity, settler colonialism, and anti-Blackness. In addition to her first book, I’ve Been Here All the While: Black Freedom on Native Land (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2021), her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, the Journal of the Civil War Era, and the Western Historical Quarterly.
Dorothy Wickenden - "The Agitators"
From the intimate perspective of three friends and neighbors in mid-nineteenth century Auburn, New York—Harriet Tubman, Frances Seward, and Martha Wright, the “agitators” of the title—acclaimed author Dorothy Wickenden tells the fascinating and crucially American stories of abolition, the Underground Railroad, the early women’s rights movement, and the Civil War. Beginning two decades before the Civil War, when Harriet Tubman was still enslaved and Martha and Frances were young women bound by law and tradition, The Agitators ends two decades after the war, in a radically changed United States. Wickenden brings this extraordinary period of our history to life through the richly detailed letters her characters wrote several times a week.
Bio: Dorothy Wickenden is the author of Nothing Daunted and The Agitators, and has been the executive editor of The New Yorker since January 1996. She also writes for the magazine and is the moderator of its weekly podcast The Political Scene. A former Nieman Fellow at Harvard, Wickenden was national affairs editor at Newsweek from 1993-1995, and before that was the longtime executive editor at The New Republic. She lives with her husband in Westchester, New York.
Deb Willis - “Reading the Image of the Black Civil War Soldier”
Bio: Deborah Willis, Ph.D., is a University Professor and Chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. She is the recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship. She is the author of The Black Civil War Soldier: A Visual History of Conflict and Citizenship and Posing Beauty: African American Images from the 1890s to the Present, among others. Professor Willis’s curated exhibitions include: "Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits” at the International Center of Photography; Out of Fashion Photography: Framing Beauty at the Henry Art Gallery and "Reframing Beauty: Intimate Moments" at Indiana University.
*Program is weather contingent. Visitors should check back for updates to this schedule, as they are subject to change.