Registration Open for Gettysburg National Military Park Lecture Series

Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation are proud to present the 2010 Gettysburg Seminar, to be held in Gettysburg on April 10-11. The theme of the seminar is the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg and the end of the Pennsylvania Campaign. Presentations will provide seminar participants with a variety of subjects from the experience of Robert E. Lee's retreat to the Potomac River, to the enormous job of caring for the wounded, an evaluation of the generals’ decisions, and the cleanup of the battlefield.

The 2010 Gettysburg Seminar will begin on Saturday morning with a series of lectures to take place in the ballroom of the historic Gettysburg Hotel on Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg. The lectures will be followed with a variety of battlefield walking tours and bus visits to important sites relative to the aftermath of the battle and campaign.

Saturday night's social will begin with "An Evening with the Painting: The Gettysburg Cyclorama," a guided presentation about the famous cyclorama painting of "Pickett's Charge" given by Licensed Battlefield Guide Sue Boardman, followed by "Our Hearts Were Touched With Fire," a living history presentation featuring the voices of those who experienced the battle and its aftermath, first hand. The personalities presented will include: Henry Eyster Jacobs, who was an 18 year old Gettysburg College student at the time of the battle; Sallie Myers, a Gettysburg school teacher at the time of the battle; a composite character representing a Confederate soldier; nd Almira Russell Hancock, wife of Union General Winfield Scott Hancock.

The seminar will conclude on Sunday in the ballroom of the Hotel Gettysburg with a final series of lectures focusing on the experiences of soldiers and civilians in the horrific aftermath of the battle.

The registration fee for the Gettysburg Seminar is $90 per person and the seminar is limited to 240 participants. For a complete schedule of lectures, field programs, and presenters and to register go to the park’s website at:

http://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/2010-gettysburg-seminar.htm

Information is also available by calling Park Ranger Evangelina Rubalcava (717) 334-1124, ext. 3251.

Something Must Be Done About This!

The Longstreet Society sent this along in hopes that we will spread the word and write a letter or send an email to help set at least this record straight.

The Houghton Mifflin publication The American Heritage College Dictionary (4th edition, 2007) contains the following entry:

Longstreet, James, 1821-1904. American Confederate general whose delay in carrying out orders contributed to the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg (1863).

We'd like Houghton Mifflin to know that this entry is inaccurate and ask them to change the entry for the next edition of their dictionary. Please send an email to dictionaries@hmco.com or drop a note to:
Dictionary Editorial Department
Houghton Mifflin Company
222 Berkeley Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02116

If they get enough polite and sincere emails and letters from us, they might take notice and make the change. If would be best if we all wrote our own original emails but, if you prefer, you can cut and paste this note into your email.

Dear Houghton Mifflin Editorial Department-
Your publications have outstanding reputations as learning and teaching tools and we know that you take pride in them. But the entry for General James Longstreet in your American Heritage College Dictionary is factually inaccurate and based on what is now accepted as misrepresentation and bad history. We of the Longstreet Society sincerely hope that you will investigate the matter and update the entry to reflect the modern and accepted historical view that Longstreet served General Lee, his soldiers and the Confederate cause appropriately and admirably at Gettysburg.(Suggested sources-Lee's Tarnished Lieutenant: James Longstreet and His Place in Southern History by William Garrett Piston, University of Georgia Press, 1987; I Have Been a Soldier All My Life by Carol Reardon, Farnsworth Military Impressions, 1997.)

For more information or to become a member of the Longstreet Society, write P.O.Box 191 Gainesville GA 30503, call 770-539-9005 or email old_pete@bellsouth.net.

Thanks!
Kristie Poehler, Editor
Battlefield Journal

Gettysburg NMP Offers Winter Lecture Series--Put these on your Calendar!

Weapons of the battle, Lee’s retreat and Meade’s pursuit from Gettysburg, and the experience of battle on July 2 are among the topics of the 2010 National Park Service series of free winter lectures, “Gettysburg: Perspectives on the Battle and Campaign at Gettysburg National Military Park.”

National Park Rangers will offer the programs on weekends beginning Sunday, Jan. 10 and running through Sunday, Feb. 28. They are free of charge and will be held at the new Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, in the Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center.

Programs begin at 1:30 p.m. and last approximately one hour.

The programs for 2010, along with the NPS Ranger presenting the program, are:

Sunday, Jan. 10 – Colonel Sharpe and The Bureau of Military Information (Angie Atkinson)

Saturday, Jan. 16 – Think Bigger – Gettysburg in Space and Time (Troy Harmon)

Saturday, Jan. 23 – Civil War Maladies – The Cases of Robert E. Lee, A.P. Hill and Richard Ewell (Matt Atkinson)

Sunday, Jan. 24 – E. P. Alexander and Resolving Conflicting Accounts of the Battle of Gettysburg (Karlton Smith)

Saturday, Jan. 30 – The Weapons of Gettysburg (Tom Holbrook)

Saturday, Feb. 6 – The Veterans and the Battlefield: How Veterans Shaped the Gettysburg Battlefield Park (John Heiser)

Sunday, Feb. 7 – “To Judge and Act for Myself” – The Experiences of Colonel Charles Wainwright, Soldier & Democrat (Bert Barnett)

Saturday, Feb. 13 – “Unwilling Witness to the Rage of Gettysburg” – The Experience of Battle on July 2 (D. Scott Hartwig)

Sunday, Feb. 14 – The Federal Fight When it Wasn’t – The 24 Hours Between July 1 Collapse and July 2 Battle (Chuck Teague)

Saturday, Feb. 20 – Lee’s Retreat and Meade’s Pursuit (Troy Harman)

Sunday, Feb. 21 – Gettysburg, The Turning Point… But Not as You Think (Bill Hewitt)

Saturday, Feb. 27 – “More May Have Been Required of Them Than They Were Able to Perform” – Pickett’s Charge (Matt Atkinson)

Sunday, Feb. 28 – Pettigrew and Trimble: New Insights Into the Other Half of Pickett’s Charge (Karlton Smith)

For more information, visit Gettysburg National Military Park’s website at www.nps.gov/gett or call (717) 334-1124, ext. 8023.

Cedar Creek Historical Commission to Meet

The next meeting of the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical
Park Advisory Commission will be held on Thursday December 17, 2009 at the
Warren Government Center, 220 North Commerce Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia. The meeting will begin at 8:30 am and is open to the public.

The draft General Management Plan and its implementation will be the main
subject of the meeting.

Individuals who are interested in the national park system or the business
of the Park Advisory Commission are encouraged to attend the December 17,
2009 meeting. Questions may be directed to Diann Jacox, Park
Superintendent, (540) 868-9176.

Upcoming Holiday Concert!

The Prince William County Historic Preservation Division will host Holiday Concerts on Saturday, December 12, 2009. Two concerts featuring songs of the season will be held at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA 20136.

The 5 p.m. concert will be performed by the Brentsville District High School Women’s Treble Ensemble and the 6 p.m. concert will be a performance by the Brentsville District Mixed Vocal Ensemble. The concerts will take place in the historic ca. 1870 Union Church. The public will also have a chance to enjoy refreshments by a bonfire. This event is free to the public.

Brentsville served as the county seat of Prince William County from 1822-1893, it was the political and social center of the county. The Historic Centre consists of five historic structures on 24 acres of parkland. The site interprets the history of Brentsville and its role in local history. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre is located at 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 20136.

For more information, please contact Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre at (703) 365-7895 or www.pwcgov.org/brentsville.

7th Annual Remembrance Illumination at Gettysburg

The Gettysburg Foundation will present the 7th annual Remembrance Illumination this Saturday, Nov. 21, from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. in the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation, this popular event drew an estimated 2,500 visitors last year.

At Soliders’ National Cemetery, more than 3,500 luminary candles will be lit on the graves of Civil War soldiers, “Taps” will be played every half hour and the names of the Civil War soldiers buried in the Cemetery will be continuously read during the event. Representatives of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Honor Guard will participate in the Remembrance Illumination.

At 5:30 p.m., Capt. Patrick Shea of the USS Gettysburg, homeported in Mayport, Fla., will light five candles—one for each branch of our armed forces. Capt. Shea will be welcomed by Rear Adm. Richard A. Buchanan (US Navy, ret.), Gettysburg Foundation president. Shea will be lighting candles in the Pennsylvania section of the Cemetery. (Buchanan is a retired rear admiral in the Navy.)

The event is free and open to the public.

WHO: Gettysburg Foundation

WHAT: 7th Annual Remembrance Illumination

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 21, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
NOTE: PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 5:30 p.m.: USS Gettysburg Captain Patrick Shea will light candles in the Pennsylvania section of the Cemetery and will be welcomed by Gettysburg Foundation President Richard A. Buchanan.

WHERE: Soldiers’ National Cemetery, Gettysburg

INCLEMENT WEATHER STATEMENT: Please note that the Remembrance Illumination is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 21 UNLESS torrential rain or high winds occur. In the event of inclement weather, cancellation announcements will be posted on the Web site www.gettysburgfoundation.org under “Latest News.” There is no rain date for the event.

Carol Reardon Gives Tour for Longstreet Society

One of the tours given during the recent Longstreet Society conference in Gettysburg was about Pickett's Charge. Dr. Reardon is an expert on the subject after writing a book about Pickett's Charge a few years back. Despite the gloomy weather, the attendees were excited about crossing the field that Pickett and his men did back in 1863. The tour was enlightening to say the least!

Dr. Reardon's soldiers coming over the swale--almost to the copse of trees!

More conference photos coming soon!
Battlefield Journal

Longstreet Society Battlefield Project

12 or so members of the esteemed Longstreet Society met in Gettysburg this past weekend for their annual conference! As part of the event, they work on a battlefield initative. This year, they painted the benches at the Ampitheater by the Longstreet Memorial. The Park Rangers gave them a goal of one coat within two hours. As there are 40 or so benches, it was a JOB! But they rose to the task and completed all of them within the allotted time!

Peter Bridson from Liverpool in foreground with Basil Larkin (another UK member) in the background

Society President Richard Pilcher (in red jacket) with Treasurer Joe Whitaker, talking with Park Ranger Angel DeJesus.

Stay tuned for more blog posts from this great event in honor of Old Pete!

Battlefield Journal

It's not too late!!

There are still a few tickets available! Come to the Longstreet Symposium the weekend of November 14th! For more information, visit the 2009 Seminar Page.

See you there!

Battlefield Journal

Congress Allocates $9M for Civil War Battlefields

The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) today applauded members of the U.S. House and Senate for including the largest ever single-year allocation for the federal Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Interior Appropriations Act Conference Report (H Rept 111-316).

The conference report, scheduled for a final vote in both chambers later this week, includes $9 million for the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program, a mechanism that utilizes government matching grants and private funds to permanently protect historic Civil War battlefields throughout the nation.

"This is tremendous news that could not come at a more critical time," said CWPT President James Lighthizer. Each day 30 acres of hallowed Civil War battlefield ground are paved over and lost forever. This money will allow us to preserve historic land that would otherwise be lost to development and urban sprawl."

The Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program targets priority unprotected Civil War sites outside National Park Service boundaries. The program's matching grants formula encourages state and private sector investment in historic land preservation. For example, in 2008 the Virginia General Assembly set aside $5.2 million to match federal Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program monies. Grants from the program are competitively awarded by the American Battlefield Protection Program, an arm of the National Park Service.

Since its creation in 1999, the Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program has been used to protect more than 15,000 acres of hallowed ground at 60 battlefields in 14 states. Among the sites saved as a result of this program are historic properties at Antietam and South Mountain, Md.; Champion Hill, Miss.; Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, and Manassas, Va.; Chattanooga and Fort Donelson, Tenn.; and Harpers Ferry, W.Va. The program is funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Although numerous members of the House and Senate have played important roles in ensuring the program's continued success, the following individuals were pivotal in securing this year's unprecedented federal commitment to battlefield preservation: Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Norm Dicks (D-WA); Senators Jim Webb (D-VA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Jeff Sessions (R-AL); and Congressmen, Bart Gordon (D-TN), Steve Israel (D-NY), Gary Miller (R-CA) and C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD). In addition, 16 Senators and 29 Member of Congress signed letters of support for the program earlier this year.

"It is welcome news that our $9 million funding request for battlefield preservation was accepted in the Interior Appropriations bill," said Senator Webb. "As America prepares for the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Civil War, it is more important than ever that we preserve these landmarks for future generations to learn about the history of our nation."

Senator Alexander concurred, saying, "The Civil War was a heartbreaking time in our history that we should never forget. Protecting our Civil War battlefields and historic sites is important both to honor the thousands who fought and to allow future generations to learn their heritage by visiting sites like Shiloh, Lookout Mountain, Fort Donelson and Parker's Crossroads. I'm glad to see that this funding was included to support this important program."

"America's Civil War battlefields are part of our nation's rich heritage, but sadly thousands of acres of battlefields are being lost every year. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to visit these sacred grounds and experience part of history," remarked Congressman Ruppersberger.

This vision was also shared by Congressman Miller, who first introduced legislation authorizing the program in 2002. Miller noted, "I have been a long time advocate for preservation of our nation's historic battlefields. These battlefields offer a porthole to the past. The vivid imagery of an epic conflict can remind visitors of the struggles our country has gone through to preserve the banner of liberty and justice for all."

Like Senator Webb, Lighthizer also stressed that the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War presents an ideal time to redouble efforts to protect this hallowed ground. "I can think of no more fitting - and lasting - tribute during this sesquicentennial commemoration than to preserve the places where these brave soldiers fought and bled."

The Civil War Battlefield Preservation Program was reauthorized in March 2009 as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (PL 111-11). The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Senators Webb and Sessions and in the House by Congressmen Miller, Israel and Gordon, reauthorized the program for $10 million a year for five years. The popular bill enjoyed considerable bipartisan support, earning 33 cosponsors in the Senate and 108 cosponsors in the House.

With 55,000 members, CWPT is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve our nation's remaining Civil War battlefields and to promote appreciation of these hallowed grounds through education and heritage tourism. The CWPT website is located at www.civilwar.org.

Sickles to be Topic of Presentation

The National Civil War Museum, in conjunction with Camp Curtin Historical Society, today announced that James Hessler will be visiting the Museum on Sunday, November 8, 2009 for a presentation and book signing for his new book, Sickles At Gettysburg: The Controversial Civil War General Who Committed Murder, Abandoned Little Round Top, and Declared Himself the Hero of Gettysburg.

Hessler’s presentation will begin at 2:00pm, with a book signing to follow. Hessler, a licensed Gettysburg battlefield guide, examines many of the controversies surrounding Dan Sickles, including the murder of Philip Barton Key, a questionable promotion to command the III Corps, his abandonment of Little Round Top at Gettysburg, his wounding at Trostle Farm and his efforts to regain his reputation.

The presentation is free to the public; however, regular Museum admission prices will apply for those visiting the galleries. Sickles At Gettysburg is available for purchase at The National Civil War Museum gift shop.

About The National Civil War Museum
Opened in February 2001, The National Civil War Museum is a non-profit educational institution dedicated solely to the American Civil War. It is the largest Civil War museum that addresses the war from both the Northern and Southern perspective, and from both a military and civilian perspective. The Museum protects some of the nation's treasures, including General Robert E. Lee's personal Bible, and more than 24,000 artifacts, documents and photos, worth an estimated $20 million. Admission to the Museum is $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors, and $7.00 for students with reduced rates for children and families. The Museum offers complimentary ample parking. For more information, please call 717.260.1861, or visit the Museum’s website at www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

New Guided Bus Tour of Antietam--Limited Availability

The Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is chartering two buses on December 5, 2009, for the 21st Annual Memorial Illumination at Antietam National Battlefield. One hundred tickets will be sold for the guided bus tour of the event.

"The Antietam Illumination is awe-inspiring. It is a popular event with visitors and residents alike," said CVB President Tom Riford. "We are excited about chartering buses and offering special guided tours of the event. This should be a great trip, and one of the best parts is the opportunity to avoid having to wait in the long line of traffic to get into the battlefield." Riford added. The specially-chartered buses are brought to the front of the staging area, according to organizers of the Illumination.

Charissa Stanton , the CVB's Public Relations Specialist, and Betsy De Vore, Director of Sales for the CVB, will be the tour guides for the evening. They will share a collection of quotes from soldiers and civilians about the Battle of Antietam, as well as an overview of the battle.

In 2007 the CVB offered guided bus tours of the illumination. Initial plans were to charter one bus to see if there was any interest from the public. The CVB ended up chartering a second bus because of the popularity.

“Both buses were filled to capacity and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves immensely,” said De Vore. “It quickly became clear that this was something we should offer every year.”

The American Bus Association (ABA) designated the Antietam Illumination as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2008 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations Magazine, indicates that the Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world.

"The Illumination is a must-see event at Antietam," Stanton said. "It is absolutely breathtaking and the large windows on the charter allow you to see in every direction."

Since 1989 an annual remembrance of the battle of Antietam has been held the first Saturday in December. It is signified by 23,110 luminaries, one placed every 15 feet along a 5 mile route, throughout the fields, and around monuments. Volunteers systematically set up the luminaries throughout the day, and candles are lit starting at 3 p.m. Last year, the National Park Service announced that more than 20,000 people experience the Illumination, from 6 p.m. until midnight.

The annual event is sponsored by the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Antietam National Battlefield, in cooperation with the American Business Women's Association, annually hosts the Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination in honor of those soldiers who fell during the Battle of Antietam. The event is also known as the largest volunteer single-day event in Western Maryland, with more than 1,200 volunteers setting out the luminaries. The event has been called the largest memorial illumination in North America.

Tickets for the CVB charter buses will be available from the Visitor Welcome Center at 6 North Potomac Street in downtown Hagerstown starting Monday November 2. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 10. On the night of December 5, refreshments will be served at the Welcome Center starting at 5:15 p.m. and the bus will depart promptly at 6:00 p.m. In case of inclement weather, refunds will be issued. For more information call 301-791-3246 ext. 10.

To find out more about Hagerstown-Washington County , go to www.marylandmemories.com. For more information about the Annual Memorial Illumination, visit www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/luminary.htm. Washington County is part of the Maryland state-certified Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (www.heartofthecivilwar.org), and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area (http://hallowedground.org). Washington County is also part of the Quad-State Tourism Coalition, a four-state tourism group along I-81. For more information, see: www.quadstate81.com.

Gettysburg Foundation Names a New President

The Gettysburg Foundation today announced the selection of Rear Adm. Richard A. Buchanan, USN (ret.) as president. Buchanan will take over for Robert C. Wilburn, who retired from the Foundation this summer. Buchanan begins work on Oct. 19.

“Rear Adm. Buchanan’s experience in the military, in finance and with nonprofit organizations represents the perfect leadership mix for the Gettysburg Foundation,” said Foundation Chairman Robert A. Kinsley. “His skill set is a perfect complement to our unique and important partnership with the National Park Service.”

Buchanan most recently served as the president and chief executive officer of the United States Navy Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C. Before that, he was vice president of undersea systems at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems and has also worked at Electronic Data Systems as the deputy for strategic operations on the Navy Marine Corps Intranet Program. Following his retirement from military duty, Rear Admiral Buchanan was the vice president of corporate services for First National Bank of Omaha and the president of the Midlands Venture Forum in Nebraska and Iowa.

“I am honored to join the team at the Gettysburg Foundation in its important partnership with the National Park Service,” said Buchanan. “Gettysburg’s enduring legacy is an inspiration, and I look forward to working to ensure that that legacy is preserved for future generations.”

“Rear Adm. Buchanan is an excellent choice for the Gettysburg Foundation and a perfect fit for this important partnership at Gettysburg," said Dr. John A. Latschar, Gettysburg National Military Park superintendent.

The Gettysburg Foundation is a private, non-profit educational organization working in partnership with the National Park Service to enhance preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg. The Foundation raised funds for and now operates the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, which opened in April 2008. In addition to operating the Museum and Visitor Center, the Foundation has a broad preservation mission that includes land, monument and artifact preservation and battlefield rehabilitation—all in support of the National Park Service’s goals at Gettysburg.

For information about the Foundation, about visiting Gettysburg, or how you can become a part of the history of Gettysburg through your contribution, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 or the administrative offices at 717-338-1243.

History Under Siege...The Civil War Preservation Trust Works Hard to Save our Sites

The Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT), the nation’s largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization, is accepting nominations through its website for an annual report on endangered Civil War battlefields. The report, entitled History Under Siege®, identifies the most threatened Civil War sites in the United States and what can be done to rescue them.

“Too often the threats to our priceless historical treasures go unnoticed,” noted CWPT President James Lighthizer. “This report is a rallying cry to the nation, a powerful reminder that our hallowed battlefields are in imminent danger.”

Nominate a battlefield
History Under Siege 2009

History Under Siege® is part of CWPT’s ongoing effort to protect America’s remaining Civil War battlefields. Every day 30 acres of hallowed ground associated with Civil War battlefields fall victim to development, succumbing to the backhoe and the bulldozer. Once lost, these historic treasures can never be replaced.

The 2010 endangered battlefields report will be released next spring in Washington, D.C. Any Civil War battlefield is eligible to for nomination and consideration. The chosen sites will be selected based on geographic location, military significance and the immediacy of current threats.

“From Pennsylvania to New Mexico, the battlefields where the Civil War was fought are under siege,” Lighthizer remarked. “Nominations from concerned citizens, history buffs and preservation activists help us stay aware of the most current threats to a wide variety of battlefields.”

Among the ten sites identified in the 2009 report were Cedar Creek, Virginia; Monocacy, Maryland; and Spring Hill, Tennessee. The report also mentioned 15 “at risk” battlefields that, although seriously threatened, did not make the final ten. Each year, the report raises public awareness of the threats to historic sites, leading to victories for preservationists. “Thanks in part to the publicity generated by the report, we expect continued successes in the remainder of the year and in the future,” Lighthizer predicted.

Individuals and groups are encouraged to fill out the nomination form available online at http://www.civilwar.org/endangerednomination. Applications must include a detailed description of specific threats facing the site. Submission of relevant recent photographs is also encouraged. Nominations must be received no later than October 10, 2009.

With 55,000 members, CWPT is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve our nation’s endangered Civil War battlefields and to promote appreciation of these hallowed grounds. CWPT’s website is http://www.civilwar.org/.

Antietam & South Mountain Celebrate Anniversaries!

This month, Antietam National Battlefield and South Mountain State Battlefield will commemorate the 147th anniversaries of the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of South Mountain. Each park is offering a variety of anniversary events including special tours, musical performances, and living history demonstrations.

The Antietam National Battlefield schedule of events commemorating the Battle of Antietam, fought September 17, 1862 is:

Friday, September 11

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 10:00 a.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Living History-The United States Sanitary Commission
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the visitor center and then walk to the camp near the Dunker Church .

Program: Ranger Led Automobile Tour
Time: 1:30 p.m. (Duration 2 ½ hours)
Location: Visitor Center Observation Room Description: Ranger provides overview at Visitor Center , take your car and follow the Ranger to the Cornfield, Sunken Road & Burnside Bridge .

Program: Living History-The United States Sanitary Commission
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the visitor center and then walk to the camp near the Dunker Church

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 3:00 p.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center Description: Join the ranger for an overview of the battle.

Program: Living History-The United States Sanitary Commission
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the visitor center and then walk to the camp near the Dunker Church

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 4:30 p.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center Description: Join the ranger for an overview of the battle.

Program: Commemoration Ceremony
Location: The Dunker Church
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Description: Lt. Col. Louis A. Mercado, USMC War College , Quantico , VA will be our guest speaker for the Commemoration.

Program: Battle Anniversary Guest Speaker
Location: Antietam Battlefield Visitor Center
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Description: "Lee at Antietam " – Elizabeth Brown Pryor. Join this award winning author for an examination of Lee in the campaign and battle based on original research and many previously unpublished accounts. Aspects that will be covered include Lee’s motives for invasion, his observations of the battle, his relationship with his officers, and more. Our speaker is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Reading the Man: A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters.

Saturday, September 12

Program: In-Depth Battlefield Hike: The Attacks of the I and XII Corps
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: New York State Monument

Program: Battlefield in a Box
Time: 9:00 a.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Ranger Led Automobile Tour
Time: 10:00 a.m. (Duration 2 ½ hours)
Location: Visitor Center Observation Room

Program: Wildcat Regiment Brass Band Concert
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Location: The Dunker Church Description: This program will include a concert, and discussion on Brass Bands and the American Civil War.

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 12:30 p.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center Description: Join the ranger for an overview of the battle.

Program: In-Depth Battlefield Hike: The Attack of Sumner’s Corps
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: New York State Monument Description: A battlefield hike that will focus on the time of the battle from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Program: Ranger Led Automobile Tour
Time: 1:30 p.m. (Duration 2 ½ hours)
Location: Visitor Center Observation Room

Program: Wildcat Regiment Brass Band Grand Concert
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Mumma Farm Barn (A shuttle bus will be available from the visitor center parking lot.) Description: The band members play period instruments and music popular during the Civil War.

Program: Antietam Anniversary Guest Speaker
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Location: Antietam Battlefield Visitor Center Description: "The Army of Northern Virginia in the Maryland Campaign" – Joseph T. Glatthaar. In the late summer and early fall of 1862, General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was an army in transition. Our speaker will reassess Lee’s army based on more than nine years of research into over 4,000 primary sources such as letters, diaries and official reports. Joseph T. Glatthaar is the author of General Lee’s Army: From Victory to Collapse, a selection of The History Book Club.

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 3:30 p.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 4:30 p.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Living History-The United States Sanitary Commission
Time: Informal programs all day at the campsite
Location: Dunker Church

Sunday, September 13

Program: In-Depth Battlefield Hike: The Middle and Lower Bridge
Time: 8:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Lower Bridge , Tour Stop 9

Program: Battlefield in a Box
Time: 9:00 a.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Ranger Led Automobile Tour
Time: 10:00 p.m. (Duration 2 ½ hours)
Location: Visitor Center Observation Room

Program: Infantry & Sharpshooter Firing Demonstrations
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Artillery Firing Demonstrations Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 12:30 p.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center

Program: In-Depth Battlefield Hike: Attack of the IX Corps
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Lower Bridge , Tour Stop 9

Program: Ranger Led Automobile Tour
Time: 1:30 p.m. (Duration 2 ½ hours)
Location: Visitor Center Observation Room

Program: Infantry & Sharpshooter Firing Demonstrations
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Artillery Firing Demonstrations
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Antietam Anniversary Guest Speaker
Time: 3:15 p.m.
Location: Visitor Center Description: "Ezra Carman and the Creation of the Antietam National Battlefield" – Thomas Clemens. The establishment of Antietam National Battlefield is due in large part to the work of Colonel Ezra Carman. An actual veteran of Antietam , Carman began researching what happened here within days after the battle. His research turned into a lifetime endeavor and Carman served as the historian for the Battlefield Board. In the process he corresponded with hundreds of veterans to get their accounts of what occurred on that bloody September day in 1862. Our speaker is one of this country’s leading authorities on Carman and is currently working on a book on the subject. Thomas Clemens is a history professor at Hagerstown Community College and is a founder and President of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation.

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 3:30 p.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center

Program: Orientation Talk
Time: 4:30 p.m. (Duration 30 minutes)
Location: Visitor Center

Thursday, September 17

A special hike, Morning in the Cornfield, will meet at tour stop 4, The Cornfield. This program starts at 7:00 a.m. and will last an hour. An all day hike of the battlefield will be in two parts with the first one starting at 9:00 a.m. near the park visitor center. The afternoon hike will begin at the National Cemetery Parking Lot, on the north side of MD. RT. 34 across from the National Cemetery . The starting time for this program is 1:30 p.m. and the hike will end back at the lot at approximately 5:00 p.m. The morning and afternoon hikes will each be four miles in length and the Morning in the Cornfield hike is one mile.

Antietam National Battlefield has an entrance fee of $4 per person or $6 per family, which covers admission to the park and all programs for a three-day period. For more information call the Visitor Center at 301-432-5124 or visit www.nps.gov/anti.

The schedule of events commemorating the Battle of South Mountain, fought September 14, 1862 is:

Saturday, September 12th
Location: Washington Monument State Park
9:00 a.m.: Visitor Center and Museum open
10:00 a.m.: Overview Talk of the Maryland Campaign
11:00 a.m.: Infantry and Artillery Demonstration
1:00 p.m.: Civilians in the Civil War Talk
2:00 p.m.: Infantry and Artillery Demonstration
3:00 p.m.: Walking Tour of the Washington Monument

Sunday, September 13th
Location: Washington Monument State Park
9:00 a.m.: Visitor Center and Museum Open
11:00 a.m.: Overview Talk of the Maryland Campaign
12:00 a.m.: Walking Tour of the Washington Monument
2:00 p.m.: Life of the Civil War Infantryman Talk
3:00 p.m.: Civilians in the Civil War Talk

Monday, September 14th
Location:
9:00 a.m.: Real-time Tour of the Opening Phases at Fox's Gap led by National Park Service Ranger Isaac Forman
2:00 p.m.: Real-time Tour of the Afternoon Phases at Fox's Gap led by Maryland State Park Interpreter John Miller
4:00 p.m.: Real-time Tour of Crampton's Gap led by Maryland State Park Interpreter Steven Lopez

There is a $2 per vehicle entrance fee for Washington Monument State Park . All programs are free. For more information call Washington Monument State Park at 301-432-8065 or visit www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/southmountain.html.

To learn more about Washington County , visit the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.marylandmemories.com. Washington County is part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area (www.heartofthecivilwar.com), and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area (http://hallowedground.org). Washington County is also part of the Quad-State Tourism Coalition, a four-state tourism group along I-81. For more information, see: www.quadstate81.com

One of Only Two Military Installations Built Upon a Battlefield

By Jo Adail Stephenson and Kevin Bennett

Blue Grass Army Depot Preserves Civil War Battle Site for Future Generations

Two historical markers now commemorate the area on Blue Grass Army Depot where the critical phase of the Civil War Battle of Richmond, Kentucky took place on August 30, 1862. An engagement resulting in more than 2,100 battle casualties, it was the scene of the most complete Confederate victory of the war. The crushing defeat of the Union Army opened up Kentucky and the Ohio River to the invading Confederates.

Laying fallow for over 60 years, a significant part of the battlefield lay within the bounds of the Depot, which was built in 1941-1942. One of only two military installations built upon a battlefield, it was not until recently that research and archeological surveys fully revealed the extent of what occurred on the property. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, the battlefield has yielded a wealth of artifacts associated with the battle which has contributed greatly to determining the movements and positions of the various units. Many of these artifacts are on loan to The Battle of Richmond Visitors Center/Museum, formerly Old Quarters 29 (the Depot commander's house), said Nathan White, the Depot archaelogist and cultural research manager. This building, which is listed on the National Register, had fallen into disrepair and was donated several years ago by the Department of the Army to Madison County as part of their effort to restore the battlefield.

More than 100 attendees participated in the recent dedication, which was the result of cooperative efforts of the U.S. Army, Madison County officials and a local group of historically-minded local citizens organized as the Battle of Richmond Association. "The Depot is very much a part of the local community and it was important for us to partner with local government and historical organizations to preserve this battlefield area," said Blue Grass Army Depot Commander Col. Joseph Tirone. "While this site represents a significant landmark of local and state history, it is more than that--the story of what happened here in August 1862 is also the Army's story," Tirone said.

"It is a story that began with the birth of our nation and continues to this day, a story of Americans, both men and women, who put on their country's uniform, follow its flag, perform countless tasks of selfless service and who are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation. It is only fitting and proper that the Army play a role in preserving this special piece of history and in helping ours and future generations remember what happened here," he said.

Funds used to pay for the markers and the restoration work were generated by recycling scrap metal at the Depot through the Qualified Recycling Program (QRP) managed by the installation's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office.

"It's a success story of properly disposing of waste, benefiting the community and saving taxpayers dollars by being good environmental stewards of Depot land and resources," Tirone said. Plans are also underway to construct a recreation pavilion and interpretive walking trail near the battlefield.

Liberia House Tours

Three Manassas Historic Treasures Open For Tours
Liberia Mansion Opens Her Doors, September 12, 10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Manassas Industrial School/Jennie Dean Memorial/Lucasville School Tour,
September 13, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Three historic sites which played a major role in the area’s Civil War and African-American history will be featured in tours sponsored by The Manassas Museum on September 12 and 13.

On Saturday, September 12, Liberia Mansion, one of the area’s most significant structures during the Civil War, will offer a first-ever free open house from 10 a.m. to
1 p.m. The grand old house, built in 1825 and a now a part of the Manassas Museum System, is currently in the midst of renovations to restore the property to its former glory when it served as headquarters for both Confederate and Union officers.

The first floor of the house and the surrounding grounds will be open to visitors. Docents will be on hand to answer questions about the home’s extensive history. New exhibits about the restoration and Liberia’s architecture will be shown for the first time. Liberia collectibles will be available for purchase.

This historic home, built in 1825 by William J. Weir, served as the headquarters for Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard before the Battle of First Manassas. Beauregard abandoned the house in the winter of 1861, but it quickly became the headquarters for Union General Irvin McDowell prior to the Battle of Second Manassas. President Abraham Lincoln was said to have eaten ice cream on the back porch of Liberia while visiting with McDowell.

After the Civil War, some of the Weir family returned to Liberia, but were not able to restore the plantation to its former glory. In later years the Weirs sold the property to prominent Alexandria brewer Robert Portner, who developed Liberia into a successful dairy farm. I. J. and Hilda Breeden, who bought Liberia in 1947, donated the property to the Manassas Museum System in 1986.

Although there is no admission fee, visitors are asked to obtain a ticket. The free tickets are available at the Museum, by emailing jriley@ci.manassas.va.us or by calling 703-368-1873.

On Sunday, September 13 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., visitors will learn about Jennie Dean, the former slave who established a ground-breaking school for African-Americans. The presentation will be at the Manassas Industrial School/Jennie Dean Memorial, (9601 Wellington Road, Manassas, VA 20110).

The Museum and the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division have added a new tour this year at the restored historic African-American Lucasville one room school house, (10516 Godwin Drive, Manassas, VA 20112).

After almost a decade of fundraising by Dean, the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth was chartered on October 7, 1893. With funds solicited from the Manassas area and from philanthropists in Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., Jennie Dean was able to purchase 100 acres and establish a private residential institution providing both academic and vocational training within a Christian setting.

The school’s first building, Howland Hall, was completed in time for the dedication ceremonies led by Frederick Douglass on September 3, 1894. Over the next four decades, despite numerous setbacks from catastrophic fires, the school grew. By the turn of the century, over 150 students studied academic subjects as well as vocational skills such as carpentry and sewing. The school became a regional high school for African-Americans in 1937. The present-day Jennie Dean Elementary School and the Jennie Dean Memorial are on the site of the Manassas Industrial School.

Former Manassas City Council Member Col. Ulysses White will speak about Jennie Dean, life at the Industrial School, and the preservation efforts that turned the site into a memorial. Tickets for the tour and presentation are $5 per family or $3 per person and can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event.

After the tour at the Manassas Industrial School/Jennie Dean Memorial, the nearby Lucasville School will be open for free tours.

Lucasville School is a reconstructed one-room school dedicated to interpreting post-Civil War African-American education in Prince William County, Virginia. Lucasville School is Prince William County's only extant one-room school built for African-American children. Some Lucasville School teachers may have trained at Manassas Industrial School.

In 1870, Virginia's Legislature established a statewide system of free public schools for all citizens. The Manassas District School Board authorized an elementary school for the Lucasville neighborhood in November 1883, and the school was finished by March 1885. Lucasville School closed in 1926. The building was moved in the1930s and remained intact until it was dismantled in 2005. By then, the structure had deteriorated.

Between December 2005 and February 2008, Lucasville School was dismantled and reconstructed through the efforts of citizens, County officials and Pulte Homes, Inc. The Prince William County Historic Preservation Division opens the school for special tours and events.

Tickets for the Jennie Dean tour are available at the Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William Street, online at www.manassasmuseum.org or by calling 703-368-1873. No ticket is needed for the Lucasville School tour.

Brentsville featured on GhostHunters!

This is exciting news!

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre will be featured on the nationally televised TV show, Ghost Hunters. The show is scheduled to air on the SyFy Channel, on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 9:00pm. The show will be a two part episode, with Brentsville featured in the second half of the show. Ghost Hunters follows Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of the Trans Atlantic Paranormal Society (T.A.P.S.) team as they investigate paranormal activity in locations across the United States.

Purportedly haunted, the Brentsville site was chosen because of all the reported activity around the historic area by the local community and visitors to the site. The T.A.P.S. team visited in the spring to conduct their investigation of the site and for filming of the Brentsville episode.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre consists of nearly 30 acres of park land, five historic structures that interpret the cultural and natural history of Brentsville and Prince William County. Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre is located at 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 20136.

FREE MUSEUM DAY!

What a great offer!

On Saturday, September 26, 2009, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine will participate in the fifth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine. A celebration of culture, learning and the dissemination of knowledge, Smithsonian’s Museum Day reflects the spirit of the magazine, and emulates the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, DC-based properties. Doors will be open free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors at museums and cultural institutions nationwide.

Last year, upwards of 200,000 people attended Museum Day, with all 50 states plus Puerto Rico represented by over 900 participating museums, including 84 Smithsonian affiliate museums. This year, the magazine expects to attract over 1,000 museums.

“It is always important to work together with other Museums in the surrounding area and it is great that the Smithsonian steps up and creates events like this to promote that needed comradery between institutions. We are honored to participate in this year’s event.” said Robert Burton, Director of Education.

Visit www.smithsonian.com/museumday to download your Museum Day Admission Card. Attendees must present the Museum Day Admission Card to gain free entry to participating institutions. Each card provides museum access for two people, and one admission card is permitted per household. Listings and links to participating museums’ can also be found at www.smithsonian.com/museumday.

About Smithsonian Media
Founded in 1970 with the launch of Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian Media—comprising Smithsonian magazine, Air & Space, goSmithsonian, Smithsonian Publishing Digital Network, Smithsonian Books and advertising for Smithsonian Channel—allows the intellectually curious to indulge and engage their passions for history, the arts, science, the natural world, culture and travel. Smithsonian Media’s flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, has a circulation of more than two million. This multimedia network is also affiliated with the world’s most visited museum and research complexes at the Smithsonian Institution. For more information, visit http://www.smithsonian.com/, http://www.airandspacemag.com/, and http://www.gosmithsonian.com/.

Letter from David Smith, President of the Civil War Round Tables of Massachusetts

It was finally a warm spring Sunday evening on April 26, 2009. There were 160 people gathering at The National Archives-Boston facility at 380 Trapelo Rd. in Waltham to honor Professor James M. McPherson with the 12th Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. award for his entire body of work education and preserving our American History. They were led into the building with the music of Amoskeag Music, who also performed a few more times before and during the dinner.

Sadly, Professor McPherson became seriously ill with atrial fibrillations and heart arrhythmias five days before the dinner as he returned from one of his many trips around the country lecturing and promoting the 200th birthday of our 16th President, and had to cancel his personal appearance. His doctors forced him to cancel all of his other scheduled events for the foreseeable future, including the Harvard Symposium that weekend at the Boston Public Library. Despite knowing this, as a result of many emails and telephone calls, no one cancelled out or demanded a refund. This is a great tribute to the historians in this area.

The evening was still a magnificent success and everyone enjoyed themselves and all of the speakers and ceremonies. This organization is still receiving accolades from the attendees. A recent email from Professor McPherson again expressed his regrets and how he was (in his words) "blown away by the beauty and impressive good taste of the award," and "the honor that the Civil War Round Tables have done me." This Holmes Award was specifically designed for Professor McPherson to celebrate the Bicentennial of Lincoln's birth.

(Photo of the Holmes Award courtesy of David Smith)

The evening began with the Posting of the Colors by the 54th Mass. Regiment Volunteer Infantry, the Mass. Sons of Union Volunteers of the Civil War, and the Salem Zouaves. The Master of Ceremonies was Jack Williams who has been with Channel 4 TV in Boston as their main newsman for over 30 years. Jack is also a lover of history himself and creator of his "Wednesday's Child Foundation." One of the Archives employees, Jamimie Flanagan, a young lady with a beautiful voice, sang several times for us which thrilled the audience.

Professor Thomas Turner of Bridgewater State College and associated with the Mass. Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission which also co-sponsored the evening, stepped in at the last minute to give a wonderful 30-minute presentation on "Lincoln in New England." Also speaking was Mr. Thomas Mills, the Assistant Archivist at the Washington DC National Archives. Historian Jay Hoar did a short presentation on Captain Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr. Diane LeBlanc, the Regional Administrator of this facility, served as our official host.

As President of The CWRTs of Mass., I gave the official welcome, followed by our Mayor Jeanette McCarthy, who also gave us her welcome. Before we ended, our Vice-President Al Smith led us in a moment of silence for two of the Greater Boston members who passed away recently, Denis Griffin and Frank Tucker, both long time members who each left their footprints on our history. Al then gave Frank Tucker's son Kevin, the present State Commander of the Mass SUVCW, a flag to honor him. Denis Griffin's flag was sent to his widow; no one from his family being able to attend.

The Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Award began in 1987, and is a product of the combined Executive Boards of The Civil War Round Table of Greater Boston and the Civil War Round Table of Central Mass. Shortly after this, the CWRT of Greater Boston began adding Round Tables at their request to become the Current Civil War Round Tables of Massachusetts and will soon have more additions. This award has become nationally known with past recipients being Jerry Russell, Edwin Cole Bearss, Annie Snyder, James Fahey, Ken Burns, John Hennessey, Dennis Frye, Robert E. "Ted" Turner, James I. "Bud" Robertston, Dr. Robert Pamplin, Jr., The Civil War Preservation Trust (James Lighthizer accepting), and this year to Dr. James M. McPherson.

Named for one of the most favorite of Massachusetts sons and brilliant Jurists here in the Bay State, on the United States Supreme Court, it is now one of the most prestigious of awards.

This year's award was given in abstentia by Robert Hall, who has given all of the awards to date. Bob is a lifetime member of the CWRT of Greater Boston and currently the President of the Olde Colony Civil War Round Table in Dedham, MA, as well as a member of the Lincoln Commission in Massachusetts.

This awards dinner had attendees from every CWRT in Massachusetts represented along with The Chamberlain CWRT, The Capital District CWRT of New York, the Hartford CWRT and many historical societies, genealogical societies, museum and veterans' organizations. We also had several guests from other honored organizations.

Respectfully Submitted,


David L. Smith, President,
The Civil War Round Tables of Massachusetts (est. 1957)

Stony Lonesome Marker Dedication

Hey everyone!
Here's a great event coming up this weekend!


Historical Marker Text
STONY LONESOME FARM
(BELLEVILLE)
Childhood Home of General Richard S. Ewell

Nearby is the site of Stony Lonesome, childhood home of one of the Confederacy’s most distinguished generals. Richard S. Ewell left this farm in 1836 to enter West Point. Graduating in 1840, Lieutenant Ewell served with the 1st U.S. Dragoons on the western frontier and fought with distinction during the Mexican War. When the Civil War began, Ewell joined the Confederacy and was commissioned a Colonel. Slightly wounded in action at Fairfax Courthouse on June 1, 1861, Ewell won promotion to Brigadier General before First Manassas. “Old Baldy,” as he became known, commanded a division under Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah
Valley, Seven Days, and Second Manassas campaigns until severely wounded on August 28, 1862, necessitating amputation of his left leg. Promoted to Lieutenant General after Jackson’s death in May 1863, Ewell commanded the Army of Northern Virginia II Corps at Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. His capture at Sailor’s Creek in
April 1865 ended his military service. After the war, Ewell retired to his wife’s Tennessee farm, dying there in 1872.

Stony Lonesome Farm Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony

Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Greenwich Presbyterian Church
(Adjacent to the Civil War Trails Marker)

Opening Remarks Dennis Van Derlaske, Chair
PWC Historical Commission

Posting of the Colors Fairfax Rifles, Company D,
17th Virginia Infantry

Pledge of Allegiance

Overview, Acknowledgements,
General Ewell at First Manassas
Jim Burgess,
PWC Historical Commission

Overview of PWC Civil War History, Civil
War 150th, Gen. Ewell at Second Manassas
Mark Trbovich, President,
PWC Historic Preservation Foundation

Keynote Address—Richard S. Ewell: Prince
William County’s Forgotten Son
Donald C. Pfanz, NPS Historian,
Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania NMP and
author of “Richard S. Ewell: A Soldier’s Life”

Unveiling of the Stony Lonesome Marker

Retirement of the Colors Fairfax Rifles, Company D,
17th Virginia Infantry

Refreshments Courtesy of Greenwich Presbyterian Church

Manassas Historic Markers

Below is the new Manassas Historic Markers Map that will be dedicated on July 27 at 5pm. Any Battlefield Journal readers in the area at the dedication, please send us your photos!

Confederates on Turners Gap!

On July 11-12, 2009 Confederates will occupy Turner’s Gap once more. The Friends of South Mountain are inviting the public to come and interact with living historians portraying Captain John Lane's Battery of artillery and Colonel Alfred Colquitt's Brigade of infantry. Demonstrations, including infantry and artillery drill, cooking and soldier life scenarios, will be held throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday.

Some of the events include: at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, a walking tour leaving from the Dahlgren Chapel will retrace the route of Brigadier General Thomas Drayton’s Brigade to Fox’s Gap and its eventual demise. Also, the Dahlgren Chapel, built in 1881 by Madeleine Dahlgren (wife of Admiral John Dahlgren), will be open for tours from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

About the Battle of South Mountain Sep. 14, 1862: Spurred by word that Union Major General George B. McClellan had found a copy of Special Order 191, Confederate Major General Daniel H. Hill spent the evening hours of September 13 and early morning hours of September 14 deploying troops on Turner’s and Fox’s Gap. At nearly 9:00 a.m. on September 14, 1862, Maryland’s first major battle of the Civil War began on Fox’s Gap when Confederate Brigadier General Samuel Garland’s Brigade of North Carolinians met Union Brigadier General Jacob Cox’s Kanawha Division. Fighting soon escalated and spread north to Frostown and Turner’s Gap and south to the Brownsville Pass and Crampton’s Gap. As combat closed with nightfall, more than 6,000 Union and Confederate soldiers had been killed or wounded. Confederate Major General Robert E. Lee ordered his outnumbered forces off South Mountain and in the direction of Sharpsburg.

During the battle, Turner’s Gap was a Confederate stronghold and was used as Hill’s headquarters, as a staging area for Confederate reinforcements going to Fox’s and the Frostown Gap, and as an artillery position. Notwithstanding a frontal Union assault until about 5:00 p.m., Colquitt’s Brigade waited nervously at the base of Turner’s Gap for the approach of Brigadier General John Gibbon’s Brigade (later to become known as the Iron Brigade). As nightfall approached, the evening’s hard fighting began to tell on the Confederate soldiers. With the Confederates retiring to the summit, Gibbon was left in command of the gap.

The Confederates on Turner’s Gap event site will be located off of Alternate Route 40 on Turner’s Gap, next to the Dahlgren Chapel. From Boonsboro, take Alt. 40 for about 2 miles and turn left onto Washington Monument Road, then an immediate right into the Dahlgren Chapel parking lot.

All programs and events are free and open to the public. For more information call (301) 432-8065 or visit www.friendsofsouthmountain.org.

South Mountain State Battlefield is Maryland's FIRST State Battlefield Park. For additional information about South Mountain State Park visit www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/southmountain.html.

South Mountain State Battlefield is a member of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information about Washington County's 8 state parks and 5 national parks, see: www.marylandmemories.com. Washington County is part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. For more information see: www.heartofthecivilwar.org and also www.hallowedground.org.

For more information about Maryland's role in the Civil War, see: www.visitmaryland.org/Pages/ANationDivided.aspx

Civil War Medicine Museum Receives Grant

Frederick, MD - The National Museum of Civil War Medicine (NMCWM) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $5000 matching challenge grant from the Ausherman Family Foundation of Frederick. The grant will be used to support the Museum’s educational programming.

The NMCWM and its education department serve thousands of students and other young visitors every year. In addition to tours of the Museum’s two floors of immersion exhibits and interactive displays, scouts and other youth groups participate in workshops on subjects ranging from 19th century food and nutrition to famous people of the Civil War. A new first aid program provides hands-on instruction on the development of first aid and gives students training and skills comparable to the American Red Cross’s first aid certification program.

“With the Ausherman matching grant, each dollar donated to support the Museum’s educational programming will double in value,” said Education Coordinator Susan Rosenvold. “We’re thrilled to receive this generous pledge at a time when we are working to expand our programming and reach more children.”
The Museum has until the end of the year to raise the funds needed to meet the match requirements of the grant.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the premiere repository of exhibits and artifacts devoted to the technological and procedural advances made in the medical field between 1861-1865. The Museum utilizes its collection to heighten public awareness of the modern medical practices that originated on the battlefields and in the hospitals of this once divided country.

The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is located at 48 E. Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, Maryland, and is open Monday through Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 11-5. For further information, please visit our web site at www.civilwarmed.org or call 301-695-1864.

Gettysburg Resident joins Gettysburg Foundation Staff

Daniel M. Bringman hired as CFO

Gettysburg, Pa. (June 30, 2009)—The Gettysburg Foundation today announced the addition of Daniel M. Bringman as chief financial officer. Bringman, a Gettysburg resident, will oversee the Foundation’s accounting, human resources and information technology departments and will serve on the nonprofit organization’s management team.

“Dan brings years of financial and nonprofit leadership, and we are pleased to have him on board as we continue to grow and work with the National Park Service to preserve the hallowed ground of Gettysburg,” said Robert C. Wilburn, Gettysburg Foundation president.

Mr. Bringman has previously served as vice president for finance and administration, and treasurer, for the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and most recently was outsourcing manager for an accounting and consulting firm in Washington, D.C. He earned his master’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

“I am thrilled to join the staff at the Gettysburg Foundation and look forward to helping the organization continue its important work preserving, enhancing, honoring and protecting the natural and cultural resources associated with one of America’s most important places,” said Bringman.

The Gettysburg Foundation is a private, nonprofit educational organization working in partnership with the National Park Service to enhance preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg. The Foundation raised funds for and now operates the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, which opened in April 2008. In addition to operating the Museum and Visitor Center, the Foundation has a broad preservation mission that includes land, monument and artifact preservation and battlefield rehabilitation—all in support of the National Park Service’s goals at Gettysburg.

For information about the Foundation, about visiting Gettysburg, or how you can become a part of the history of Gettysburg through your contribution, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 or the administrative offices at 717-338-1243.

Civil War Museums--Part I

Gettysburg Visitor Center and Museum--1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA http://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm



Re-opened last year, the new re-located Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center is not to be missed when coming to the legendary battlefield.

Originally placed along the Zeigler's Grove portion of the Park, near the small white Bryan Homestead and next to the Cyclorama building, the Visitor Center was well-attended throughout its decades of service. With a famous Electric Map that explained the battle through a series of moving lights and with a comprehensive museum and gift shop, the Visitor Center was usually the first place both Civil War buffs and Gettysburg first-timers went upon entering the hallowed ground.

With the 1999 Gettysburg Management Plan, the Gettysburg Foundation partnered with the Park Service to restore Zeigler's Grove to its original appearance and arranged for a new and expanded Visitor Center to be housed along Hunt Avenue behind Culp's Hill and near Union General Meade's headquarters during the battle, the Lydia Leister House.

Not only did the Visitor Center move, but so did the world-famous Cyclorama painting. This 1884 circular painting, very popular in the late 1800's, of Pickett's Charge by artist Paul Philippoteaux has been meticulously restored in a multi-million dollar process (which the author was able to witness in various phases). The end result is now located in the Visitor Center and is breathtaking. With first-hand accounts read aloud and special effects that bring Pickett's Charge to life (note the dawn breaking in the sky--wow!), the visitor to Gettysburg, whether a first-timer or hundredth-timer, will be ashamed to miss it!

Another integral partner during this undertaking was the History Channel. Thanks to the History Channel, the experience is made even more robust by the many films located throughout the Visitor Center. The main movie, A New Birth of Freedom, is narrated by Morgan Freeman and includes the master of Lincoln voice-overs, Sam Waterston (the best Lincoln in my book). It tells Lincoln's story and the Civil War's complicated journey up to and including the Battle of Gettysburg.

The updated museum shows the artifacts connected to Gettysburg with cleaner and more technology-driven visitor interpretation. From a room that shows us slavery in the 19th Century to the first two years of the year and then into a display room that represents each day of the horrific July 1863 battle, the visitor is enthralled by how these objects witnessed each and every event. The museum culminates in Lee's retreat, the aftermath, and the final years of the Civil War.

Of shopping is part of the plan, then the new gift shop will entice to spend money on a plethora of books, t-shirts and quality gift items. The Refreshment Saloon aptly provides lunch and snacks and Ranger Programs on a variety of topics are presented daily at the Visitor Center and throughout the battlefield.

Another aspect of the experience is the wealth of research facilities available. A full Education Center affords a chance for research as does a Resource Center complete with computers connecting researchers with many different links to genealogoy, regimental histories, various libraries and state databases vital to historians, teachers and writers of all types.

Both groups and individuals are welcome at the Gettysburg Visitor Center with plenty of free car and motorcoach parking. The Gettysburg Foundation outdid themselves with the information included within the unique, round, barn-like structure. It was a long process to relocate the building, including town hall meetings, land surveying, fundraising efforts and construction.

The end result is well worth it. Visit as soon as you can!

(Hours of Operation--8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.- April 1 to May 31.8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.- June 1 to August 31.8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.- September 1 to October 31.8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.- November 1 to March 31.)

Kristie Poehler

Information from the National Constitution Center

VISITORS CAN ENJOY A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE CIVIL WAR
DURING FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER

Philadelphia, PA – Visitors to the National Constitution Center can enjoy a celebration of freedom stretching from the Revolution to the Civil War during the Feel the Freedom Festival: Celebrating Lincoln from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, 2009. The three-day festival will honor Abraham Lincoln and other historic freedom fighters, including Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. The Center is presenting the Feel the Freedom Festival in conjunction with the Lincoln 200: The Bicentennial Festival on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia. All events at the Center are free with museum admission.

In his Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln famously looked back to 1776 and the nation’s founding when he called the Civil War a “new birth of freedom.” The Feel the Freedom Festival celebrates the commitment of generations of Americans to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution that Lincoln fought to preserve.

Philadelphia was central to Lincoln ’s war effort, serving as a major center for recruiting, training, equipping, and transporting the armies that fought to save our nation. Nearly all of the men and supplies used in the eastern theater of the war were either made in, or passed through Philadelphia . Recruiting camps were even set up behind Independence Hall. During the Feel the Freedom Festival, a Civil War encampment will take place on the Center’s front lawn between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., featuring living history interpreters portraying Civil War generals, soldiers, nurses, civilians, and political leaders. Visitors will have the chance to meet General Meade, Clara Barton, and Frederick Douglass, among others, and observe demonstrations of Civil War era medicine and equipment, as well as military drills.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take a closer look at the Center’s rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. Through an interactive presentation at 11:00 a.m., visitors will learn about the history of the Civil War and the background of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.

During the Lincoln 200 Scavenger Hunt, children and their families can explore the National Constitution Center and Independence Mall as they search for Abraham Lincoln between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Along the way, participants will learn about our nation’s historic struggle for freedom that culminated in the Civil War.

The Civil War was the first American war officially documented through photography. Visitors will see how images of war have been used to tell the stories of soldiers’ lives during a special demonstration at 2:00 p.m.

In addition, the Center will present a Fourth of July Show at 12:00 p.m. The interactive presentation will explore the history of July 4th from the very first words declaring America ’s independence to present day celebrations. Guests can also commemorate the birth of our nation with patriotic craft activities throughout the day, including the chance to make freedom poppers and whirly gigs.

The National Constitution Center, located at 525 Arch St. on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the ideas and values it represents. The Center serves as a museum, an education center, and a forum for debate on constitutional issues. The museum dramatically tells the story of the Constitution from Revolutionary times to the present through more than 100 interactive, multimedia exhibits, film, photographs, text, sculpture and artifacts, and features a powerful, award-winning theatrical performance, “Freedom Rising”. The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, which serves as the hub for national constitutional education. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.

Great Event!!

The Loudoun Museum presents

The” Bloody Eighth” Virginia Infantry-
Then and Now

Who: A Special Lecture by Dave Purschwitz,
Historian, 8th Virginia Vol. Inf.

When: Friday, June 5th at 7:00pm

Where: Loudoun Museum
16 Loudoun St SW, Leesburg

What: Mr. Purschwitz will share the riveting story of the history of the Eighth Virginia Infantry and the Battle of Balls Bluff. As a re-enactor in the role of Delegate Robert Eden Scott, he will provide first person insight into this Loudoun County Civil War battle fought on the shore of the Potomac River . Come learn about re-enacting, Civil War camp set-up, & skirmishes and view artifacts from the Eighth Virginia!

Cost: $5 General Admission; Museum Members FREE

Reservations: Seating Limited-Call 703-777-7427

Check out these DVDs from Inecom Entertainment!

Inecom Entertainment has a wealth of fantastic Civil War DVDs to choose from--time to stock up!

Click on the graphic for information on these titles and MANY more!

Enjoy!

Battlefield Journal

Lincoln's Final State of the Union Address

By Lincoln’s own Hand: 23 lines from his final State of the Union, at auction in Dallas

Original copy literally plucked from the trash by Superintendent of Public Printing J. D. Defrees in 1864, up for bid at Heritage, June 16-17

DALLAS, TX – A handwritten page from President Abraham Lincoln's December 1864 State of the Union message, an important document that was literally rescued from the trash 145 years ago, is being sold by a Midwestern historical society. Written four months before his assassination, the page with 23 lines written in Lincoln’s own longhand script will be offered to the public through Heritage Auction Galleries (http://www.ha.com/?type=PR-PRTE050809) as part of an auction of Historical Manuscripts, June 16 and 17.

In December 1864, just after he had won a closely contested second term in office and with the nation in the final throes of its bitter, bloody Civil War, Lincoln released his annual assessment of America’s health, and addressed the ongoing conflict.

“... We are not exhausted, nor in process of exhaustion,” he wrote. “... We are gaining strength, and may, if need be, maintain the contest indefinitely.”

Today, if a President even touches a piece of paper it is put under glass, documented and archived down to the minutest detail. When Lincoln wrote his 1864 message, however, the original manuscript was taken to a printer, typeset for printing, reading and distribution to the cabinet, congress and ultimately the national press, and then summarily tossed – literally – onto the dustbin of history. Fortunately for posterity – as documented in Carl Sandburg’s seminal 1949 book Lincoln Collector – “several manuscript sheets were given to various persons by the Superintendent of Public Printing, J. D. Defrees..." (page 190).

It was Defrees who was in charge of the office that typeset the address, and it was Defrees who thought the pages might make good gifts for friends of his. His quick thinking, and hands, saved an important piece of American history that day, a piece of which only 11 fragments survive.

“In this portion of his address we hear an unbending and hardened Lincoln,” said Sandra Palomino, Director of Rare Manuscripts at Heritage. “It was an important message for many reasons, not the least of which was this call for fortitude from Union supporters and Lincoln’s trumpeting of the large popular vote totals he received, especially from enlisted men.”

While the 13th Amendment is not mentioned in the 23 lines that Heritage is offering, it was a large component of Lincoln’s domestic segment of the speech, and played a critical role in his call to arms to the Northern United States to see the Civil War through to its conclusion. Lincoln takes special care to note that “thousands, white and black, join us, as the national arms press back the insurgent lines.”

Research shows that Lincoln began working on this important Annual Message just a week after the Nov. 8, 1864 election by writing telegrams to several governors asking them to "[p]lease send, as soon as practicable, exactly, or approximately, the aggregate of votes cast in your State at the late election. It is desired with reference to the forthcoming Message."

The manuscript comes to Heritage from a Midwestern Historical Society and is accompanied by a 1952-dated, notarized affidavit describing the chain of ownership for this manuscript, from its original owner William P. Doyle, who was Indian Affairs Commissioner under Lincoln, through to the current owner. The story detailed in the affidavit matches exactly the description given by Sandburg in his aforementioned 1949 book.

The most recent of these fragments to appear on the market was in the October 2002 auction of the Forbes Collection of American Historical Documents at Christie's, where the 11-line manuscript (ex. Philip D. Sang) sold for $251,500 (with Buyer’s Premium). That example was the top half of page 39. There is no way to predict when the next offering of one of these manuscripts will take place. It carries a pre-sale estimate of $90,000-$120,000.

“The phrase is, perhaps, overused,” said Palomino, “but this lot truly does represent a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, as well as an artifact from America’s most revered leader.”

For more information on the June Grand Format Rare Manuscripts Auction, to read a detailed description of this, or any other, lot, and to download full-color, enlargeable images, go online to http://historical.ha.com/common/auction/catalog.php?SaleNo=6026&type=PR-PRTE050809.

To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Client Services at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 1150, or visit http://www.ha.com/Catalog?type=PR-PRTE050809 to order by email.

Heritage Auction Galleries is the world’s third largest auction house, and by far the largest auctioneer of rare collectibles, with annual sales more than $700 million, and 425,000+ registered online bidder members. For more information about Heritage's auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit http://www.ha.com/?type=PR-PRTE050809.

Frederick County, Maryland is the place to visit!

I used to live in Frederick County and it has deep historic roots. Below is some great news!

Frederick, Maryland – With a past deeply rooted in history and a downtown renaissance underway, it’s no surprise that Middletown, Maryland was selected as one of five cities to receive the Main Street Maryland designation last year. But for those not keeping track, the bigger surprise might be that Frederick County is home to over 20% of the Main Street Maryland communities in the state.

May is National Preservation Month and Frederick County shines as an example of an area that promotes and protects historic resources. “Of all the counties in Maryland, Frederick is proud to have the largest number of Main Street Maryland communities within its boundaries,” says John Fieseler, Executive Director for Tourism Council of Frederick County. Five cities within the county - Brunswick, Frederick, Middletown, Mt. Airy (shared boundaries with Carroll County), and Thurmont - are designated Main Street Maryland communities for their historic significance and commitment to fostering a thriving downtown.

As a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street Maryland encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation. “The program recognizes and assists communities that are committed to their heritage and strengthening their traditional downtown area,” explained Amy Seitz, the Director of Community Access & Partnership for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. According to Seitz, “In Main Street communities, visitors can expect to find a pedestrian-friendly historic downtown with distinctive architecture, locally owned shops and restaurants, and a sense of community.”

“The number of cities holding the Main Street Maryland designation in Frederick County is a reminder of the incredibly rich historic resources in the area,” says Fieseler. Downtown Frederick received the top honor in this program and was honored as a Great American Main Street in 2005 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“Frederick County’s Main Street communities are not only committed to preserving their history and heritage, they provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience and showcase some of our best attractions,” says Fieseler. “Within these cities you can find unique shopping and antiquing opportunities, a vibrant arts community, distinctive architecture, and fine restaurants and cafes.” They are also hosts to the many community events and heritage celebrations in the county, including street festivals, music performances, special events, tours, and family activities.

The Main Street Maryland program offers technical assistance to designated communities and also access to grants and funding sources sometimes not available to other cities. By having so many Main Street communities within Frederick County, more of these resources are directed back into Frederick County and help augment the efforts of volunteers and local governments working to preserve and promote these cities.

Main Street communities don’t just offer attractions for visitors; they prove to be areas where residents can find local jobs, goods and services, and entertainment close to home. “Historic preservation within these communities doesn’t just preserve buildings, it preserves the excellent quality of life people in Frederick County have come to expect,” explains Fieseler.

“We see increased investment in Main Street communities,” says Seitz, who points to the economic statistics the state tracks to show the program’s success. “In Frederick County alone, 564 new jobs have been created within Main Street communities, private investment has topped $48,439,594 and over 24,217 volunteer hours have been accrued to help these communities thrive.” Additionally, a strong downtown helps stabilize home prices in surrounding residential neighborhoods, a clear benefit for residents and local governments in this economic downtown, says Seitz.

Another advantage of being a designated city is that Main Street communities have the opportunity to network with one another. According to Kara Norman, Executive Director of Frederick’s Main Street program, the Downtown Frederick Partnership, “It is a great way to learn new ideas, find out about new solutions and, sometimes more importantly, learn what not to do.” Collaboration is key to the success of these cities. “Best of all, the Main Street community is always willing to share information to help make all of the state’s downtowns better places to live, work, shop, and play.”

In Frederick County, Main Street communities are thriving downtowns that serve as anchoring destinations for residents and visitors alike. Visit one of Frederick County’s Main Street Maryland communities During National Preservation Month to discover the area’s rich heritage, architecture, and history.

To plan a visit to Frederick County, visit www.FrederickTourism.org or call (800) 999-3613. For more information about the Main Street Maryland program, visit http://www.neighborhoodrevitalization.org/Programs/MainStreet/MainStreet.aspx.

Main Street Maryland Communities in Frederick County
· Brunswick (Designated in 2004) - www.BrunswickMainStreet.org
· Frederick (Designated in 2001) - www.DowntownFrederick.org
· Middletown (Designated in 2008) - www.Middletown.md.us
· Mt. Airy (Designated in 2004) - www.MountAiryMD.org
· Thurmont (Designated in 2005) - www.ThurmontFirst.com/html/main_street.html

Special Events in Frederick County’s Main Street Communities During National Preservation Month in May

First Friday Night on the Town: Pet-A-Palooza
May 1, 5-9 pm
Downtown Brunswick, MD
Downtown Brunswick celebrates First Friday Night on the Town on the first Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. with live entertainment, extended store hours, and more. Normally our First Friday’s are meant for the humans, but this time we’re all about man’s best friends. Not just dogs, but all pets. We will even have pet sitters available so you can still shop around downtown.
www.BrunswickMainStreet.org

Mayfest/May First Saturday
Saturday, May 2nd, 10am - 9pm
Downtown Frederick - Market, Patrick, Carroll, and Church Streets including Everedy Square & Shab Row
Enjoy free flowers, live music, children's activities and more throughout the day followed by exhibit openings, guest artists, and special activities in the evening.
www.downtownfrederick.org, 301-698-8118, mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org

Alive @ Five
Thursday, May 14th & 28th, 5 - 8pm
Downtown Frederick - Carroll Creek Amphitheatre
Outdoor happy hour featuring live music by regional-reggae favorite, Jah Works, on May 14 and indie rock music of Silent J on May 28! Enjoy beer, wine and food from downtown restaurants on the banks of beautiful Carroll Creek.
www.downtownfrederick.org, 301-698-8118, mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org