2008

January 10th

James Getty as

President Abraham LincolnOne of the most fascinating personalities in the history of the United States was that of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Many regard him as the greatest president this nation ever had. Regardless of your opinion about him, his impact on American history cannot be refuted. One of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania’s most recognized residents is nationally-renowned Lincoln impersonator and Lincoln historian, James A. Getty. Mr. Getty has portrayed Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg since 1978, and has been featured on television, and in special appearances throughout the United States and Canada. Whether taking the stage in Gettysburg, or in cities and towns across the nation, Getty captivates audiences of all ages with his award-winning interpretation of our country’s 16th President. Abraham Lincoln comes to life as Jim Getty steps on-stage in his award-winning, one-man performance, “A Visit With Mr. Lincoln.”

February 14th

Deb McCauslin

Freedom Lies Just North

During the years before the Civil War, African Americans of Yellow Hill worked with their Quaker neighbors to help escaping slaves to freedom. This evening we’ll hear about Yellow Hill, where Gettysburg’s African American families found refuge during the Confederate Invasion of 1863, the mysterious Yellow Hill Cemetery and the Church lot. We’ll learn about the U. S. Colored Troops who were buried at Yellow Hill, and about the families who lived nearby. Hear the history of how Yellow Hill Church was burned to the ground in a deliberate act of racism. Learn how Quakers William and Phebe Wright helped 1,000 people abscond to freedom. After this program, you’ll want to take the tour!



March 13th

LBG Wayne Wachsmuth

Stuart’s Ride: Mission Impossible?
A Logistical Appraisal

Much has been written and discussed on the subject of Stuart’s ride during the Gettysburg Campaign but the basic subject of the logistics of that ride are overlooked. Lt. Col. (Ret) Wayne Wachsmuth a Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide will look at the “nuts and bolts” of the mission and go into just where Stuart was going, how he originally planned his route, decision points and the all important factors of just what could be expected of the motive power for the mission-the horses!



April 10th

Richard Wagner

For Honor, Flag, and Family Civil War Major

General Samuel W. Crawford, 1827-1892

This book shows the depth of compassion and the complexity of character that led to the prominence of Franklin County's highest-ranking officer, Samuel Crawford. While serving at Fort Sumter, he eloquently delivered his lifelong motto: "I must sustain with honor my flag and the reputation of the name I bear." Richard Wagner's diligent research has contributed a well formed observation of an often overlooked Union commander.

May 8th

LBG Mike Vallone

Hunterstown Preservation Society

Hunterstown Cavalry Battlefield, also known as North Cavalry Field, is waiting to be fully appreciated and brought into the fold of sacred places visited regularly by patrons of Gettysburg National Military Park. Fields and barns to either side of the Hunterstown road, just to the south of old town square mark the site of a significant cavalry fight waged there after 4:00 PM on July 2, 1863. Threatened by developers, the battleground in this quaint little hamlet sits vulnerable to destruction. LBG Mike Vallone explains the action that took place here on July 2nd 1863.



June 12th

LBG Frank O’Reilly

The Irish Brigade at Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg was the most one-sided major defeat suffered by either side in the Eastern Theater during the War. The Federal army sustained an estimated 13,000 casualties, nearly three times the Confederate total of 5,000. The Irish Brigade suffered its most severe casualties in December at the Battle of Fredericksburg where its fighting force was reduced from over 1600 to 256. They paid with their lives for Burnside's tragic blunder. And for the only time in its short proud history the brigade had to retreat from "the clash of spears," terribly shattered, having suffered 41.4 percent casualties in killed, wounded, and missing. As General Lee remarked after the war, "Never were men so brave." Frank O’Reilly will talk about the fate of the infamous Irish Brigade at Fredericksburg.



July 10th

LBG Rich Kohr

Artillery at Gettysburg

The Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia brought a total of 612 guns--272 (CSA), 360 (USA)--into Pennsylvania during the Gettysburg Campaign. Causing an estimated maximum of 10% of the total battle casualties in the Civil War, the effectiveness of the artillery often has come into question. What is overlooked is that the purpose of the artillery is not to inflict mayhem, but rather to cause confusion and shock. The effective range of canister was 400 yards and in. This range holds true as to the smoothbores and the rifled guns. The rifled guns were less effective with canister since the rifling tended to skew the balls in a swirling pattern. The smoothbores were quite effective with canister. LBG Rich Kohr explains more about the artillery that was used at the battle of Gettysburg.




August 14th

Sally Thomas

Ties Of The Past

Elizabeth Salome Myers was a twenty-one year old schoolteacher who lived on West High Street when the battle of Gettysburg began. Sallie, who “never could stand the sight of blood," found herself drawn into nursing the wounded soldiers in her father's house and at the Roman Catholic Church. Salome Myers cared for wounded soldiers during the battle, placing her life in danger as she traveled to and from her home to makeshift hospitals. She continued to nurse soldiers at Camp Letterman until it’s closing in November of 1863 and later was nationally recognized for her contributions. Great, great granddaughter, Sally Thomas, talks about her ancestor and her book Ties Of The Past along with showing a slide presentation.



September 18th

Patrick Falci

15th Anniversary of the film Gettysburg

Since its theatrical release in the fall of 1993, the movie Gettysburg has become a classic among historians, reenactors, and anyone who appreciates serious film. The sweeping epic that has been called one of the greatest war movies of all time, the film invites the viewer to experience the Civil War's pivotal three day battle on a personal and intimate level. Earning fans and accolades from around the country and the world, Gettysburg has gained a highly respected place in the pantheon of American film. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the release of the film. Patrick, who served as historical advisor for director/screenwriter Ronald F. Maxwell and portrayed Gen. AP Hill in the movie, will share his experiences on the set and little known facts about the making of the film Gettysburg.



October 9th

LBG Diana Loski

Major General Dorsey Pender

William Dorsey Pender was one of the finest young officers in Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Pender commanded a division in A. P. Hill's III Corps. On July 1st, his division moved in support of Henry Heth up the Chambersburg Pike to Gettysburg. Hill ordered Pender to attack at about 4 PM. Pender's men forced the Union troops back in and through Gettysburg. On 2 July, Pender was posted near the Lutheran Seminary. During James Longstreet's assault on Union positions on the Confederate right, Pender was wounded in the thigh by a shell fragment from that direction, and turned command over to James Lane. Pender was taken back to Staunton, VA, where an artery ruptured, killing him.



November 13th

Robert Trout, Jr.

Memoirs of the Stuart Horse Artillery Battalion

Known for his books about Gen. J.E.B Stuart, Robert Trout, Jr. has again taken on the task of telling the story of some of Stuarts men in the artillery division. Written by the participants, these first-hand narratives and accounts of life during the Civil War in Stuart’s Horse Artillery Battalion make for fascinating reading. This latest volume of the Voices of the Civil War series is compiled and edited by noted J.E.B Stuart authority and historian, Robert Trout, Jr. The book contains brief bio’s on every officer from the Lieutenants to the Colonels.