Seminary Ridge Museum Announces New Executive Director

Gettysburg Museum Announces New Executive Director

September 13, 2024 by Community Contributors

From the Gettysburg Connection

Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center (SRMEC) has announced that Judy Morley will serve as its new Executive Director and President of the Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation (SRHPF).

SRMEC inhabits the 1832 Lutheran Seminary structure that became a centerpiece of the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Inside, it interprets the causes and consequences of the Civil War, in a building where slavery was debated, where military leaders used the Cupola as a lookout, and where the battlefield’s largest fixed field hospital was created July 1, 1863. 

Morley was unanimously elected by the SRHPF Board of Directors on Friday, September 6 at its fall meeting. She brings degrees in American History and teaching experience in the American Civil War to the award-winning Museum, as well as depth in executive and management experience. She has extensive communication training and expertise in entrepreneurship and fundraising.

Em Cole, SRHPF Board Chair, sees in Morley “a superb combination of historian, educator, and manager for leading the Museum. She has breadth and depth of experiences that will serve the mission of the Seminary Ridge Museum well, and she has familiarity with nonprofit organizations in Adams County.”

Brad Hoch, a member of the search group, suggested reasons Morley rose to the top of their list. Her “lifelong studies in the American Civil War, her professionalism, communication abilities and high energy bring a powerful skill set to the ongoing work of those on Seminary Ridge.”

Morley reflected her high energy for the SRHPF mission and its Museum, saying “I am thrilled to join the team of this amazing organization! It’s an honor to be able to work with such skilled and passionate individuals, and I hope that my talents will be a beneficial contribution to our mission.”

The Museum opened in 2013 on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg under the direction of Barbara Franco. Morley succeeds Peter Miele, who had served in various roles on the Museum staff since 2013 and served as its Executive Director since 2020. She will assume the new position October 1.

Historic Chatham Manor At Fredericksburg And Spotsylvania To Close Until Spring

From National Parks Traveler Sept 1, 2024

Read the original story here

Beginning Tuesday, the interior of Chatham Manor at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia will be closed until spring while a fire suppression system is installed in the historic structure.

For the duration of the project the Chatham gate will remain open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the grounds will remain open sunrise to sunset.  

Accomplishing this project involves taking great care to protect the existing structure and exhibits inside Chatham. The museum collection pieces currently on display in Chatham will be safely stored offsite for the duration of the work. Once complete, the updated system will support the safe display of artifacts and protect the building in case of fire.

While the building is closed, the grounds remain open for visitors. Park staff will be stationed at an orientation table on the grounds on Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until October 19. The 2 p.m. tour, Sparking Freedom, will occur as scheduled on these weekends. To watch the park video that plays inside the building and to learn more about Chatham visit the Chatham page.

The restrooms near the parking lot will remain open and accessible. Due to the maintenance work onsite, there may be some parking impact while work is ongoing, but this impact should be minimal on weekends. The installation of the fire suppression system is projected to be complete by early spring.

On Zoom - Sept 8: Wounded for Life: The Post-War Journey of Two Union Soldiers

THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (G.A.R.) CIVIL WAR MUSEUM & ARCHIVE

 Presents a Free Zoom Program

Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Wounded for Life: The Post-War Journey of Two Union Soldiers by Robert Hicks

 Many Civil War books discuss the mortality due to bullets and diseases but very few explore the postwar lives of wounded warriors. Based on his new book, Wounded for Life: Seven Union Veterans of the Civil War, Dr. Robert Hicks examines two Union veterans, Presley Dawson and Henry Huidekoper. Dawson, an African American private, was lamed by collapsed earthworks under fire and contracted malaria. Huidekoper, a lieutenant colonel, was shot twice at Gettysburg and suffered an amputated arm. Both men worked, married, and had children, yet the war changed their bodies. Dr. Robert Hicks looks at how they constructed new identities after the trauma of the battlefield.

 

Robert D. Hicks, PhD is an independent scholar of the history of science and medicine. Formerly, he served as director of the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library and William Maul Measey Chair for the History of Medicine at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.  He has worked with museum-based education and exhibits for four decades, primarily as a consultant to historic sites and museums. Robert has a doctorate in maritime history from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, and degrees in anthropology and archaeology from the University of Arizona. He also served as a naval officer with the U.S. Naval Security Group and found time to have a career in law enforcement. His most recent book, Civil War Medicine: A Surgeon’s Experience, appeared in 2019 by Indiana University Press.

To reserve a virtual seat for this outstanding presentation reply by e-mail to garmuslib1866@gmail.com

You will be sent a link with a password that will enable you to access the program within 24 hours of the start of the presentation. 

 Deadline for signing-up is Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Noon.

 GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM & ARCHIVE
8110 Frankford Ave. (Holmesburg - N.E. Philadelphia), 19136
 www.garmuslib.org

 

Annual World War II Weekend at Eisenhower NHS from Sept 20 to 22

GETTYSBURG, PA – Join Eisenhower National Historic Site (NHS) staff for our annual World War II Weekend from September 20 to 22. This year’s event theme is 1944, remembering the millions of Americans and Allies in arms who joined together with General Dwight D. Eisenhower in a “great crusade” to fight for freedom over fascism 80 years ago. Park rangers, guest speakers, living historians, and partner organizations will bring the stories and people of 1944 to life through three days of interactive programming and activities for visitors of all ages. All programs and activities are free of charge.

Event highlights include:

Notable guest speakers and historians: Henry Sledge, son of famed World War II Marine Eugene Sledge, will speak Friday evening at the Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) Museum and Visitor Center. On Saturday and Sunday, speakers at Eisenhower NHS include Dr. John C. McManus, Dr. Sara Parry Myers, Kevin Hymel, April Cheek-Messier, Dr. Tyler Bamford, Dr. Jared Frederick, and John Orloff, writer and co-executive producer of the Apple TV+ miniseries Masters of the Air.

Ranger-Guided Walking Tours of WWII burials in Gettysburg National Cemetery: Park rangers will offer guided walking tours of Gettysburg National Cemetery that will explore stories of the 590 fallen World War II soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen buried there. These programs will focus on stories relevant to 1944.

1944 Living History Camp at Eisenhower NHS: Visit American and Allied units, as well as groups depicting life on the Homefront, to explore the people and events of 1944. Park rangers will lead guided walking tours of the living history camp throughout the weekend.

Family Activities and Programs at Eisenhower NHS: Pick up a Family Activity Booklet, explore the Living History Camp, and look for special Family Activity chalkboard signs. Learn more about the military and civilian groups to complete your five-stars and earn your very own World War II dog tag! Special family programs, reading adventures, and more will take place throughout the weekend.

Special 1944 Museum Exhibits: Visit the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center to see exhibits from the Naval History and Heritage Command, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and Eisenhower NHS.

Eisenhower Home Tours: Free tours of the only home that Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower ever owned are available on both Saturday and Sunday of World War II Weekend.

For a full World War II Weekend event schedule and information, visit the Eisenhower NHS website at https://www.nps.gov/eise/world-war-ii-weekend.htm.

For the safety of visitors, living history groups, and staff, Eisenhower NHS will close to visitation on Friday, September 20 for the World War II camp set up.

How to visit Eisenhower NHS during World War II Weekend:

Weather permitting, free on-site parking for passenger vehicles only will be available at Eisenhower NHS in a farm field accessible from Emmitsburg Road, Business Route 15. For GPS, use 250 Eisenhower Farm Rd.

Shuttle buses depart every hour from the Gettysburg NMP Museum and Visitor Center, located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, on both days of the event. A shuttle fee does apply. Visit the Gettysburg Foundation website or call 877-874-2478 to make reservations.

Bus groups should plan to use the shuttle system. Accessible parking is located at the Museum and Visitor Center with access to the site via the shuttle. Limited accessible parking is available on-site.

All National Park Service World War II Weekend programming is free of charge. Outdoor programs are weather dependent.

www.nps.gov

Vandalism Discovered at Gettysburg Battlefield – Hallowed Ground Heroes to the Rescue!

GETTYSBURG, PA August 21, 2024

Two separate incidents of vandalism were reported to park officials at Gettysburg National Military Park on August 15 and August 19. Park staff reported multiple boulders on Little Round Top had graffiti scribed into the large stones on August 15. Battlefield visitors reported that the historic War Department Observation Tower on Oak Ridge was spray painted with graffiti on August 19. But by August 20, all traces of these two acts of vandalism had been removed by park preservation staff.

Park Superintendent Kristina Heister said, “Our hearts sank when these two cases of vandalism were reported within days of each other. We were fearful that the graffiti carved into the rock may be there for future generations. I’m so very thankful for our amazing preservation staff who expertly restored these sites quickly so visitors could continue to experience them as they were intended. They truly are the heroes of this hallowed ground!”

Throughout the National Park Service, visitors are asked to help park staff by immediately reporting any occurrences of vandalism or illegal activity. Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the park at 717-334-0909 or email the park at GETT_Superintendent@nps.gov. For all emergencies, visitors should always call 9-1-1.

“We can’t do it alone,” continued Superintendent Heister. “Vandalism of irreplaceable historic objects and structures that belong to all Americans should concern everyone. We all share in the responsibility of protecting and caring for this special place and everyone is a steward of the heritage, history, and resources of Gettysburg during their visit.”

The Gettysburg Borough Police Department is also investigating multiple acts of vandalism throughout the borough and Gettysburg College. Multiple areas were also spray painted. Please visit their website at https://adams.crimewatchpa.com/gettysburgpd for more information or to submit a tip. 

 

www.nps.gov

Gettysburg National Military Park Seeks Public Assistance For Missing Artifacts

 GETTYSBURG, PA – August 13, 2024 Gettysburg National Military Park (NMP) staff are seeking public assistance regarding artifacts that went missing between December of 2023 and January of 2024. The artifacts were taken from a historical site near Brooke Avenue, commonly referred to the Timbers farm, on the southern end of the battlefield. Law enforcement rangers are conducting an active investigation and are seeking public assistance.

Information from visitors is often very helpful to investigators. If you were in the area of Timbers farm between December 2023 to January 2024, or if you have information that could help, please contact us. You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know.

Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Adams County Crimestoppers hotline at 717-334-8057. Tips can also be submitted to accrimestoppers.com or via email to the park at GETT_Superintendent@nps.gov. A reward is being offered.

Thank you for your assistance in protecting the resources of Gettysburg NMP.

Culp's Hill Paving Project at Gettysburg NHP


August 8, 2024 Update

Daytime roadwork—6 am to 6 pm—that will affect normal visitation includes:

Entire Culp’s Hill/Spangler’s Spring area, including all feeder roads: August 26 to 28 – Full Closure.

Wainwright Avenue: August 29 – Full Closure.

East Steven's Street (at Coster Avenue): August 30 – Full Closure.

September schedule TBD.


Nighttime roadwork—6 pm to 6 am—that will affect normal visitation includes:

Entire Culp’s Hill/Spangler’s Spring area, including all feeder roads: August 11 to 13 – Full Closure.

Hunt Avenue: August 14 – Full Closure.

Entire Culp’s Hill/Spangler’s Spring area, including all feeder roads: August 18 to 20 – Full Closure.

Hunt Avenue: August 21 – Full Closure.

Benner Hill: August 22 – Full Closure.

September schedule TBD.

Jason Martz

Communications Specialist

Gettysburg National Military Park & Eisenhower National Historic Site

VICTORY! Major Restoration at Slaughter Pen Farm!

I have exciting news about Slaughter Pen Farm. At long last, the property’s last modern structure, a postwar farmhouse, is now gone!  

Folks, I know you’ve been waiting for this, as have we. Like most things with Slaughter Pen Farm, good things come to those who wait! After many long years, on Friday, July 26, the house was demolished!

Demolition at Slaughter Pen Farm Battlefield, Fredericksburg, Va. (Melissa A. Winn)

Removal of the house is the final phase of a complex restoration process that has cleared numerous non-historic structures from the landscape over the past decade and a half. Its removal clears the way for a new interpretive plaza and restoration of the landscape to its 1862 appearance. We couldn’t be more excited about this, and we thank YOU for your hard work, patience and generous giving that has made this moment possible.  

The acquisition of the Slaughter Pen Farm on the Fredericksburg battlefield in 2006 was a landmark purchase for the American Battlefield Trust. Not only was the $12 million purchase price the highest, by far, in Trust history, but the acquisition was the most complex we had ever attempted. With governmental support (in large part by the Commonwealth of Virginia), donations from Trust members and friends, and in partnership with Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Slaughter Pen Farm was saved in perpetuity. It took nearly 16 years to pay off. We celebrated that day in May 2022, and we celebrate today the removal of the last modern structure impeding the landscape’s wartime interpretation.

The 208 acres that have been saved here are among the most historic on the Fredericksburg battlefield, what Fredericksburg Campaign expert Frank O’Reilly calls “the very heart and soul” of the field, “the point where the battle was won and lost.” 

‘The True Battle for Fredericksburg’

As Union troops assaulted Marye’s Heights on December 13, 1862, about five miles to the north on that bloody day, thousands of blue-clad soldiers crossed the flat, open plain of the farm, advancing under fire toward Confederate lines along Prospect Hill bordering the farm on the southwest.    

This lesser-known assault was actually the main objective of the Union battle strategy – the “true battle for Fredericksburg,” as O’Reilly puts it. Before the fighting ended, 9,000 Union and Confederate soldiers had fallen. Survivors called the battlefield “the Slaughter Pen.”  

Five soldiers were later bestowed the Medal of Honor for their actions on this field on that bloody day: George Maynard of the 13th Massachusetts, Charles Collis of the 114th Pennsylvania, Philip Petty of the 136th Pennsylvania and Martin Schubert and Joseph Keene of the 26th New York Infantry. 

Since taking ownership of the property in 2006, the Trust has focused on restoring the land to its wartime appearance. We’ve gradually removed several derelict farm outbuildings and, in 2009, installed an almost two-mile educational walking trail — popular with locals, students of history and military units participating in staff rides. 

The removal of this last modern structure from the field clears the way for a planned interpretive plaza that will share with future generations the stories of these hallowed grounds. There is no substitute for the power of place, and we are grateful to declare victory on preserving and restoring this one with your unwavering support. Thank you!   

‘Til the battle is won,

David N. Duncan
President
American Battlefield Trust

Gettysburg College Announces Death of Prof. Peter Carmichael of the Civil War Institute

Civil War Institute director and history professor Peter Carmichael, 58, has died due to complications from a respiratory illness. President Bob Iuliano announced his death in an email to the campus community Sunday afternoon. 

Carmichael was a published author, renowned Civil War scholar and Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Era Studies at the College for 14 years. 

Professor Peter Carmichael (Photo courtesy Gettysburg College)

“Pete’s impact on this community and in the community of Civil War scholars has been immeasurable,” wrote Iuliano. “He has helped us to see the Civil War through a broader and more nuanced lens and along the way guided legions of Gettysburg College students into the field of public history.” 

Carmichael earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and his doctorate from Penn State University in 1996. He held positions at Western Carolina University, the University of North Carolina Greensboro and West Virginia University before coming to Gettysburg College in 2010.

Carmichael is known for his books on the civil war: “The Last Generation: Young Virginians in Peace, War, and Reunion,” “The War for the Common Soldier,” and “Lee’s Young Artillerist: William R. J. Pegram.” 

Carmichael also served on the Board of Directors and the Historians’ Council of the Gettysburg Foundation, and previously as a distinguished lecturer for the Organization of American Historians, as Gettysburg National Military Park’s first scholar-in-residence and as co-editor of the Civil War America series from the University of North Carolina Press.

Many students took to social media to share how Carmichael impacted their time at Gettysburg College.

Carmichael was also well-known among the Battle of Gettysburg history community. Matt Callery, host of podcast Addressing Gettysburg, shared a video on YouTube reflecting on Carmichael’s death. 

“He was very integral to the Gettysburg history community, especially the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College,” Callery remarked. “On a personal level, to me, he became a very good friend to me, and from the first time we had him on the show, he was an instant supporter.”

In his email, Iuliano said that the Gettysburg community will “sorely miss Pete’s leadership and dedication, but more than that we will sorely miss Pete. He very much helped make this campus the special place that it is. We will forever cherish his presence in our lives.”

The Carmichael family will receive visitors at Christ Lutheran Church on Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg Friday from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9-10:30 a.m. The funeral will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. This will be followed with a reception in the Atrium.