I am in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for the Civil War Institute’s annual conference. It’s an intensive, exhilarating, and exhausting five days of lectures and battlefield tours. On Saturday morning I spoke about my current book project about Robert Gould Shaw and the Second Massachusetts and tomorrow I will join Peter Carmichael and Jill Ogline Titus in leading a tour of the Gettysburg battlefield that focuses on the experiences of the thousands of enslaved laborers that traveled with the Army of Northern Virginia.
What a fantastic summary of the evening---and Jared Peatman does a great job with the CWI scholarship students for the entire week. We have a distinct curriculum for them. Having the students read the letters in the field helps them make a powerful connection to the place. I should note that many CWI scholarship students have gone into the historical profession, include NPS chief of interp at Gettysburg--Chris Gwinn
Jared does a great job with the students. I had a chance to talk with just about all of them over the course of the conference. I do hope they consider Gettysburg College.
I've been to Gettysburg twice, and was really struck by how serene it was and the contrast with the event it's commemorating. The last time I was there, I did a bus tour on my last morning and the interpretation was incredible. Just an amazing job explaining the battle, the impact to the town, and the meaning of the battle. Tours like that are truly an artform. Thanks for sharing this experience.
We currently live in Baltimore and routinely go to Gettysburg... and I have often thought much the same. What a stark contrast between the lovely bucolic scenes and the bloody chaos of the battle.
I think your comment about appreciating the scope of the violence that occurred at these places is interesting. Thinking about the Civil War sites I have visited most are, as you and your friend Pete , point out today incredibely peaceful and contemplative places. But for a few brief moments in our history, very important moments, they were witness to some of the most violent and horrific things humans can do to each other. All done in defense of ideas about what our culture should be. How do you communicate that? I have tried a couple of times and don't think I have done so particularly well. It sounds as if your friend Pete is good at doing so.
There are plenty of people who can lead a battlefield tour and explain what took place and how events unfolded. They can do it in ways that are entertaining and educational, but I think it takes years of careful thinking as well as trial and error to master the skill. Pete has done just that in my opinion.
Thank you so much for this!!! I have never met Peter Carmichael, but your observations of him makes me strive to be a better teacher. (Oh, I wish I was there!)
Wow, Kevin! Peter's tour and student exercise sounds amazing. I'd love to have been there. This is what teaching history is all about. Those students will have, and share, these experiences and knowledge for the next 60-70 years. Imagine that impact. WOW!! Thank you for sharing this experience.
What a fantastic summary of the evening---and Jared Peatman does a great job with the CWI scholarship students for the entire week. We have a distinct curriculum for them. Having the students read the letters in the field helps them make a powerful connection to the place. I should note that many CWI scholarship students have gone into the historical profession, include NPS chief of interp at Gettysburg--Chris Gwinn
Jared does a great job with the students. I had a chance to talk with just about all of them over the course of the conference. I do hope they consider Gettysburg College.
I almost went this year but schedule and finances did not let me...
Next year’s theme will be Civil War atrocity. Should be interesting.
Yes that would be very interesting.
I've been to Gettysburg twice, and was really struck by how serene it was and the contrast with the event it's commemorating. The last time I was there, I did a bus tour on my last morning and the interpretation was incredible. Just an amazing job explaining the battle, the impact to the town, and the meaning of the battle. Tours like that are truly an artform. Thanks for sharing this experience.
We currently live in Baltimore and routinely go to Gettysburg... and I have often thought much the same. What a stark contrast between the lovely bucolic scenes and the bloody chaos of the battle.
I think your comment about appreciating the scope of the violence that occurred at these places is interesting. Thinking about the Civil War sites I have visited most are, as you and your friend Pete , point out today incredibely peaceful and contemplative places. But for a few brief moments in our history, very important moments, they were witness to some of the most violent and horrific things humans can do to each other. All done in defense of ideas about what our culture should be. How do you communicate that? I have tried a couple of times and don't think I have done so particularly well. It sounds as if your friend Pete is good at doing so.
There are plenty of people who can lead a battlefield tour and explain what took place and how events unfolded. They can do it in ways that are entertaining and educational, but I think it takes years of careful thinking as well as trial and error to master the skill. Pete has done just that in my opinion.
Thank you so much for this!!! I have never met Peter Carmichael, but your observations of him makes me strive to be a better teacher. (Oh, I wish I was there!)
You should really think about registering for next year's conference. I have no doubt that you will have an incredible time.
Wow, Kevin! Peter's tour and student exercise sounds amazing. I'd love to have been there. This is what teaching history is all about. Those students will have, and share, these experiences and knowledge for the next 60-70 years. Imagine that impact. WOW!! Thank you for sharing this experience.
Think about registering for next year's conference. You will love it.