Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Amazing Find!

Hello, everyone!!



This is a GREAT find from the Philadelphia Civil War museum. Although the video link is no longer live, we have this news report. On the video it shows the signatures of the men who witnessed the document--including James Longstreet's signature! Wow! That made my day!

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/ats-ap-civil-war-surrenderaug02,0,6059670.story?track=rss



Enjoy!

Battlefield Journal

http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/9111012/cbs3_philly/20080803/av_localcat_dontlaun/_goodmorningyahoo_cbslocal61923

Monday, July 28, 2008

Ed Bearss Lecture

We just received an exciting piece of news from the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Maryland!

National Museum of Civil War Medicine to Host Renowned Historian Ed Bearss

Frederick, MD – The National Museum of Civil War Medicine (NMCWM) is proud to welcome world renown historian and author Ed Bearss to the museum on Thursday, July 31at 7:30 p.m. A gifted speaker and one of the most well respected historians on the Civil War. Mr. Bearss will be talking about his own sever wounding in WWII and relating his experience to that of both Civil War and modern soldiers.

Mr. Bearss is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II, a military historian and author known for his work on the American Civil War and World War II eras and is a popular tour guide of historic battlefields. He served as Chief Historian of the National Park Service from 1981 to 1994 and provided commentary for The Civil War, PBS Series by Ken Burns and Civil War Journal on A&E Network.
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. These changes occurred in the midst of tremendous social and economic upheaval. The Museum is committed to effectively weaving the narrative of suffering soldiers, caregivers, their families and the dramatic and innovative developments in medical treatment. 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. Interactive educational programs, exhibits, seminars and lectures provide the knowledge that Civil War medicine connects us not only to our past, but is the scientific and historical link to our present and our future.
Ed Bearss’ talk is one in a series of lectures that is running throughout the summer at NMCWM. While the weekly lecture series has averaged 50 attendees, Mr. Bearss’ lecture has already hit capacity with advanced reservations in excess of 80 individuals.

For more information call 695-1864 or visit us online at www.civilwarmed.org

Monday, July 14, 2008

Contributor Spotlight--Wayne Rowe

Hello, loyal readers!

I thought you all may be interested to hear about the background of some of our talented authors! This interview will also be on the website!

INTRODUCING: WAYNE ROWE!




1) Describe how you became interested in the Civil War. What do you consider your favorite area for study and research?

Seems like I’ve always been interested in the Civil War, but I guess it all began when I received the American Heritage book “The Civil War” as a Christmas present when I was eleven years old. I was taken by the very unique diorama-type battle maps and pictures.

For the last seven years I have participated in reenactments and have researched the First Company, Richmond Howitzers, a Confederate Artillery unit.

2) When did you begin writing? What has that journey been like?

I have written books as a Research Fellow when I was in the Navy. Only recently have I written Civil War articles, and have given speeches at ceremonies and to Civil War Round Tables.

The journey has been more exciting then I could ever have imagined. Jeff Shaara said in the introduction to his book on Civil War battlefields: “. . . the research is the energy behind the story, and the energy behind the research has come from walking in the footsteps of the characters.”

I’ve walked in the footsteps of the Richmond Howitzers over many battlefields. I’ve visited dozens of museums, historical societies and libraries up and down the East coast. I’ve held and read the diaries, letters and memoirs of Richmond Howitzers and yet only now after about nine years of research am I getting to know who these men were.

3) Are you a full time writer? If not, what else do you do?

I am not a full time writer. Wish that I were. I am a retired Naval Officer who is currently the Head Reference Librarian at the Naval War College in Newport, RI.

4) Do you have a specific writing or researching technique or tip you'd like to share?

Do your homework. What I mean by that is do thorough research. Use primary sources when possible. Know your audience. Have at least one or more people read, critique and edit your draft. Keep it simple. Do not use twenty words to say something when two words will do.

5) What are some of the next projects you are working on?

I am currently working on the transcription and compiling of two works (diary & a reflection) of a Richmond Howitzers for a book.

Other books are in the works on several key men of the Richmond Howitzers. I have not yet decided if there is enough material to write one book or several books, but I am keeping my options open.

6) Any advice for beginning writers you would like to give?

Keep a narrow focus on your topic or subject. This will help with both doing research and writing your papers, articles, and books. Keep track of the resources you use so you can build a good bibliography and footnotes. Always give credit to an author whose work you have used to avoid being accused of plagiarism. Research is the fun part, but start early on in the process by doing some writing. In today’s world of computers, you can always cut, paste and edit later. The art of actually putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard is always the toughest part of the process. And most importantly, pick a topic you are passionate about as you will be spending many hours working on it.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Lincoln Signature on Display!

HAPPY 4th of JULY EVERYONE!!!

On the eve of Independence Day, and in honor of the 145th anniversary of the conclusion of the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, the National Constitution Center announces that it has acquired for display the only known signature made by President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg when he gave his historic Gettysburg Address. While almost every American is familiar with the Address, many do not know that President Abraham Lincoln’s famous opening words – “Four score and seven years ago” – were a reference to July 4, 1776, in acknowledgment of the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
The signature is on the first page of an autograph book from the dedication of the Gettysburg Cemetery . Acquired at auction by businessman and philanthropist Lewis Katz on behalf of a Trust for his grandchildren, the signature will be on loan to the Center for ten years and displayed in the Center’s permanent exhibition, The Story of We the People.
The autograph book was purchased amid intense public and media interest at Sotheby’s on April 8, 2008, among twenty other Lincoln documents, and was the second highest purchase at the auction.

“We are extremely grateful to Lewis Katz for bringing this important treasure to our museum and understanding the role it can play in the story we tell,” said Joseph M. Torsella, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center . “It is an honor to obtain such a rare piece of history to include in our permanent exhibition. Lincoln ’s role at Gettysburg signaled a major turning point in American constitutional history, and this treasure will connect visitors in a unique and tangible way to that defining moment.”

” Pennsylvania is known for its rich historical legacy, and I am thrilled that this rare artifact has returned,” said Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania. “I am not surprised that Lewis Katz understood that this important piece of our past belongs at the National Constitution Center .”

“In making this loan, we hope to achieve two important objectives,” said Lewis Katz. “First, we want visitors to the Center to connect to history in a personal way. Signatures offer a unique opportunity for visitors to imagine the moment the pen touched the paper. Second, it is our sincere hope that others share great treasures with the National Constitution Center – through loan and purchase – so that the American story can be told, in part, through documents and objects.”

Signatures of Simon Cameron, Lincoln ’s Secretary of War; William H. Seward, Lincoln ’s Secretary of State; and the Governor of Pennsylvania, A.G. Curtin, share the first page with Lincoln ’s signature, A. Lincoln. All three of these men were seated on the main platform with Lincoln at the dedication ceremony. The remaining pages of the autograph book include signatures from John Hay, one of Lincoln’s secretaries; Henry Mercier, the American-born Minister from France; Reynaud, the Admiral commanding the French Naval Division of the Gulf and North America; Ulissa Isola, an Italian Army captain; Joseph Bertinatti, the Minister from Italy; Abner Doubleday, a Union General who fought at Gettysburg; A.W. Bradford, the Governor of Maryland; John. G. Nicolay, Lincoln ’s private secretary; and George Sykes, a second Union general at Gettysburg .

The signatures, all gathered on the day of Lincoln’s unforgettable address, were obtained either at the main platform at the dedication ceremony, or at the Gettysburg railroad station following the dedication, and were probably gathered by a member of the President’s traveling party. No one else would have had access to so many people of prominence.

Beginning in February 2007 with the acquisition of a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, and continuing with the Lincoln signature, the Center is working to build a collection of treasures through long-term loans and permanent acquisitions, including rare and important documents and items with iconic status that uniquely capture crucial moments in American history.

The autograph book is a significant addition to the icons of American history that have been displayed at the National Constitution Center . Over the years, these have included treasures such as Benjamin Franklin’s copy of the Constitution, Thomas Jefferson’s manuscript draft of the Declaration of Independence, FDR's leg braces, and tools used by the Watergate burglars.

Admission to the National Constitution Center is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors ages 65 and up and $8 for children ages 4-12. Active military personnel and children ages 3 and under are free. Group rates are also available. For ticket information, call 215.409.6700 or visit http://www.constitutioncenter.org/.


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. Also, as a nonpartisan forum for constitutional discourse, the Center presents – without endorsement – programs that contain diverse viewpoints on a broad range of issues. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit http://www.constitutioncenter.org/enter.org/.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

U.S. Christian Commission News

Check out this information! Just click on the link to connect to a great website and event!

http://www.usccgettysburg.org/event_detail.asp?event_id=359

Also, some info on a July 3rd event--just in time for the 145th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg

As a rare prelude to the Gettysburg 145TH Anniversary Battle Reenactment, both visitors and local citizens will have an opportunity to experience a unique living history event in Gettysburg on Thursday July 3rd at 11AM along Baltimore Street and in front of the historic Adams County Courthouse. The 1,000+ civil war reenactor participants will have traveled 1,500 miles and two days from Texas making the pilgrimage to Gettysburg for the National 145TH anniversary celebration. Although the reenactors normally portray CSA General Hood’s Texas Division, on July 3rd they will change their colors and replicate Confederate Jubal Early’s pre-engagement forage march into Gettysburg which occurred on June 26, 1863.

On a rainy Friday afternoon in 1863, Confederate General Jubal Early and his division of 5,000 men approached Gettysburg on their way to support Lee’s pending northern invasion by cutting off the railroad at York and destroying the bridge across the Susquehanna at Wrightsville. The 2400 residents of Gettysburg were aware the Confederates were close by and had taken precautions by fleeing with or hiding merchandise, livestock and supplies. Attempts to raise militia for Pennsylvania’s defense were largely unsuccessful. Among the members of the 743 member 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia, were young men from Pennsylvania (Gettysburg) College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary. The Pennsylvania militia attempted futilely to defend Gettysburg, but were quickly overwhelmed and retreated toward Harrisburg. Early rode into Gettysburg and wrote a requisition for 1,200 pounds of sugar, 600 pounds of coffee, 60 barrels of flour, 1,000 pounds of salt, 7,000 pounds of bacon, 10 barrels of whiskey, 10 barrels of onions, 1,000 pairs of shoes, and 500 hats…..or, in lieu thereof, $5,000 cash. Following a meeting of borough council, President David Kendlehart composed his reply and sent it back with Constable John Burns as the town representative. In summation, the response stated that the supplies were far beyond that in the town’s possession and that the stores would be opened and the citizens would furnish whatever they could. Early’s men found that little had been left behind. They paid for some merchandise with Confederate money and took 2,000 army rations from a train intended for the militia. A Confederate band played Dixie in the square that night causing concern and annoying many residents. Before starting for York the next morning, Early paroled the members of the hapless 26th Pennsylvania Militia. This raid was a mild preview of the war that would come to Gettysburg one week later.


Last fall, Texas reenactors and local organizers met and agreed that Early’s March Into Gettysburg would provide a novel experience for the Texas participants after they had traveled several thousand miles to attend the reenactment. It was determined Early’s March would also add a new historic dimension to the reenactment, be an excellent prelude to Independence Day and be an historically appropriate and interesting community event. Event organizers put their heads together with local officials to figure out how all the parties could reasonably make it work.

The Texans will assemble and form for parade march at the Gettysburg Middle School complex at approximately 10AM on July 3rd. Their ranks will include infantry, cavalry, artillery and reenactors portraying civilians in period dress along Baltimore Street. At 10:45am, they will march north on Baltimore Street to the historic courthouse. The troops will form on Baltimore Street between High Street and the town square in review for the ceremony. General Early (Jack King) and his senior staff will ceremonially make demands and receive a drafted reply from the town officials. Visitors and community members are encouraged to view the March and ceremony. PA State Senator Terry Punt (portraying Senator Mc Sherry), Adams County President Judge John D. Kuhn (portraying Attorney David Wills) and Adams County Sheriff James Mueller (portraying Sheriff John Burns) are three public officials that have already agreed to participate in the historic ceremony at the courthouse. Participation by several other local officials is anticipated. After the ceremony the troops will then march via East Middle Street back to the middle school complex. Immediately following the ceremony there will be an event press conference with General King and his senior staff, “local elected officials”, Federal and overall event commander Allen Baldwin, and Confederate event commander Dave Cornett.

In addition to Early’s March Into Gettysburg on Thursday June 3rd, there will be six major battles and significant living history activities during the Independence Day weekend event on July 4, 5 & 6. Spectators will be thrilled with extensive pyrotechnics during all the major battles and particularly on Sunday during the massive Pickett’s Charge. The Gettysburg 145TH National Civil War Battle Reenactment is an all-day family event. It will stimulate the senses and make those dusty old history books come alive. Gates open at 8:30 each day. Complete event information and tickets are available at www.gettysburgreenactment/com or by calling the Gettysburg Anniversary Committee at 717-338-1525. Tickets should be ordered in advance as grandstand seating normally sells out prior to the event and tickets are priced higher at the gate. For information on accommodations and visiting Gettysburg, please contact the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-337-5015 or online at www.gettysburg.travel

Monday, June 23, 2008

Doll Coincides with Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary

HISTORIC CHINA DOLL MARKS 145TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG


Every little girl needs a dolly to play with! And what better way to mark the historic significance of the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg than by doing so with a token china doll, Miss Lydia Webb, and all of her era-appropriate clothing and accessories from the 1850s. Miss Lydia Webb will be auctioned off just before Pickett’s Charge on Sunday, July 6.

Designed after the popular Jenny Lind doll in the mid-1800s, Miss Lydia Webb is a token of living history. Made and donated by Sherry Riley, the doll comes equipped with underclothing, dresses, an apron and cape, a locket, parasol, and a tea set, all made or donated by Sherry Riley. The doll also comes fitted with an authentic reproduction crinoline ‘Cage’ made and donated by “Needle and Thread,” a doll-sized quilt made a donated by Jill Coleman, a knitted shawl made and donated by Patsy Hartnett, a wicker trunk donated by Bob McIlhenny, and a coupon for a grand ball gown, donated by Maggie Abbott and Samantha Rife of “LaBelle Femme.”

Raffle tickets for the doll will be sold during the At High Tide reenactment June 28-29, the JEB Stuart reenactment July 3, and during the weekend reenactments of the Battle of Gettysburg July 4-6. Raffle tickets for the doll can also be purchased during business hours at the Conservancy’s office at the Ag Center, located at 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, or by calling 717-334-2828. Tickets are $5.00 each and all proceeds benefit the Land Conservancy of Adams County, a member-supported nonprofit land trust with the mission of preserving the rural lands and character of Adams County.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Summer is here!

Hello, everyone!
Summer is upon us!! It's hot where I am; don't know about you! Now, we start to see some great events! Here are a couple you may be interested in! Have a great time! Battlefield Journal

GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK CELEBRATES WITH A CIVIL WAR MUSICCONCERT
The Wildcat Regiment Band, Civil War era musicians representing the 105thPennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, will perform a free concert outdoors atthe Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center on June 21 in conjunction with the Gettysburg Festival from June 19 -29.

The earlyWildcat Regiment concert will begin at 11:00 AM. The Grand Concert willbegin at 3:00 PM. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for your seating. The Wildcat Regiment Band represents the regimental band of the 105thPennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The 105th Regiments was recruited in 1861 from the "Wildcat" congressional district made up in part by Indiana and Jefferson Counties. With Bandmaster Bruno J. Pino conducting, this modern re-creation of the Wildcat Regiment Band utilizes original instruments and reproduction hand-made uniforms. The concert at 11:00 AM will explore "TheAmerican Brass Movement: Bands and Bandmasters of the American Civil War"and will feature original musical instruments of the period.

The Gettysburg Festival features ten full days of celebrating America through Music, Theater, Film, Art and Dance from June 19 through 29. Tofind out more go to the website http://www.gettysburgfestival.org/

GRANT AND LEE IN WAR AND PEACE OPENS THIS FALL AT THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
By the end of the Civil War, most Americans considered either Robert E. Lee or Ulysses S. Grant to be a hero. The reputations of the two generals were molded in part by a sectional bias that would aggrandize the achievements of one often to the detriment of the other. In recent years, Grant has earned a growing reputation for his pioneering use of Federal power for civil rights and post-war reconstruction--a remarkable shift from a presidency that was more often condemned as a bumbling series of scandals and corruption. Similarly in the eyes of today's viewers, Robert E. Lee's role as a symbol in American politics may have outstripped his actual feats as a Confederate general. This thought-provoking, interactive historical exhibition and its catalog plunges visitors into the promises and disappointments that Grant and Lee faced. It offers a challenging interpretation of the nation's history at mid-century to every American who wonders how we became what we are today. The New-York Historical Society exhibition complements the Virginia Historical Society sister exhibition Lee and Grant.

WHAT: Grant and Lee in War and Peace
WHEN: October 17, 2008 through March 29, 2009
WHERE: The New-York Historical Society
170 Central Park West at 77th Street
ADMISSION: Members and children 12 and under: FREE
Non-Members: $10 Educators, and Seniors: $7
Students: $6