Kevin - I knew you would post about Pete's passing, but I'm sure it took you some time to begin to process this loss of your dear friend. I smiled at your photo of the 2012 CWI - that was my time attending and prior to arriving I had no idea what to expect. At the end of one of the 'main stage' presentations, Pete mentioned that his favorite sports team was the Indiana Pacers. At that point I had no idea that Pete, like me, is a native Hoosier. I made a point later that week of introducing myself and asking about his support for the Pacers. He saw that I was from the Indianapolis area and for the next 5 or 10 minutes we talked about the Pacers and Indianapolis. And, every year after when I would stop and greet him we immediately discussed the latest basketball news from Indiana. And while talking to him for those brief minutes every year, he was totally engaged and not just "glad handing" some middle aged dude who happened to be from his hometown. Because of Pete and CWI I have learned a tremendous amount and had the chance to know 'real' historians like yourself.
I took a course with Peter on the experiences of ordinary soldier in the Civil War. The class was so great - he taught us how to interpret primary sources for ourselves. His kindness and warmth we present in the class - May his memory be a blessing.
I first encountered Peter after his Pegram book appeared. I read a library copy, really liked it, found his email and we corresponded about the book and Pegram for a bit. That was 25 years ago, and in the interim I converted reading a library book into reading my own copy. So, as I am planning my trip to the CWI last month, I am also searching for my non-existent copy of the book. I was finally able to recall the true story, bought a copy, and took it for him to sign. "Wow! Have not signed one of these in a long time!" I then told him the backstop and we both got a chuckle. He had this gift of making you think you were the most important person in the world when he was talking with you. He is a huge loss, as he had so much more to give to the ACW community, writ large.
Thank you for sharing this. Adding this follow-up:
“‘He was bold, daring, and courageous and infectiously charismatic,’ read the statement. ‘Pete had so much left to do and give to this world; he was so excited about sharing the book he was currently writing with the world, and eager to teach a new class on Lincoln this Fall. He looked forward to welcoming the incoming class of Gettysburg College students and meeting the next wave of budding young historians.’” https://gettysburgian.com/2024/07/scholar-mentor-and-friend-students-reflect-on-professor-peter-carmichaels-legacy/
Oh, wow. I had no idea. He was one of my absolute favorite historians. I’m heartbroken. Rest in peace, Professor. Sending healing thoughts to all who knew and loved him.
What a beautiful tribute, Kevin. Thank you for posting it.
My condolences on your loss.
I've been to The Crater twice...it is a moving sight. I have to get that book.
Very touching Kev....Love Dad and Mom
Kevin - I knew you would post about Pete's passing, but I'm sure it took you some time to begin to process this loss of your dear friend. I smiled at your photo of the 2012 CWI - that was my time attending and prior to arriving I had no idea what to expect. At the end of one of the 'main stage' presentations, Pete mentioned that his favorite sports team was the Indiana Pacers. At that point I had no idea that Pete, like me, is a native Hoosier. I made a point later that week of introducing myself and asking about his support for the Pacers. He saw that I was from the Indianapolis area and for the next 5 or 10 minutes we talked about the Pacers and Indianapolis. And, every year after when I would stop and greet him we immediately discussed the latest basketball news from Indiana. And while talking to him for those brief minutes every year, he was totally engaged and not just "glad handing" some middle aged dude who happened to be from his hometown. Because of Pete and CWI I have learned a tremendous amount and had the chance to know 'real' historians like yourself.
Thanks for the great tribute Kevin.
I took a course with Peter on the experiences of ordinary soldier in the Civil War. The class was so great - he taught us how to interpret primary sources for ourselves. His kindness and warmth we present in the class - May his memory be a blessing.
I first encountered Peter after his Pegram book appeared. I read a library copy, really liked it, found his email and we corresponded about the book and Pegram for a bit. That was 25 years ago, and in the interim I converted reading a library book into reading my own copy. So, as I am planning my trip to the CWI last month, I am also searching for my non-existent copy of the book. I was finally able to recall the true story, bought a copy, and took it for him to sign. "Wow! Have not signed one of these in a long time!" I then told him the backstop and we both got a chuckle. He had this gift of making you think you were the most important person in the world when he was talking with you. He is a huge loss, as he had so much more to give to the ACW community, writ large.
Thanks for posting this.
I googled because I wanted to know more:
https://gettysburgian.com/2024/07/college-announces-death-of-professor-peter-carmichael/
Age only 58.
Thank you for sharing this. Adding this follow-up:
“‘He was bold, daring, and courageous and infectiously charismatic,’ read the statement. ‘Pete had so much left to do and give to this world; he was so excited about sharing the book he was currently writing with the world, and eager to teach a new class on Lincoln this Fall. He looked forward to welcoming the incoming class of Gettysburg College students and meeting the next wave of budding young historians.’” https://gettysburgian.com/2024/07/scholar-mentor-and-friend-students-reflect-on-professor-peter-carmichaels-legacy/
This morning the Journal of the Civil War Era has posted a memorial essay from two scholars:
https://www.journalofthecivilwarera.org/2024/07/pete/
A terrible tragedy, and a loss to all who knew him and who benefited from his work and his kindness and generosity.
Oh, wow. I had no idea. He was one of my absolute favorite historians. I’m heartbroken. Rest in peace, Professor. Sending healing thoughts to all who knew and loved him.