The Project
Embedded Files
Walking In Their Shoes: Civil War is a passionate historical initiative dedicated to honoring the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. While our roots are grounded in recognizing the Pennsylvanians who gave their lives to preserve the Union, our mission extends to documenting and preserving the memory of all Civil War soldiers (Union and Confederate) who now rest in Pennsylvania soil.
Guided by a commitment of remembrance, education, and preservation, our work is built upon three foundational pillars:
Cemetery Research
We conduct comprehensive statewide research to identify, verify, and document Civil War soldiers buried in Pennsylvania cemeteries. Through diligent investigation and record preservation, we ensure that these veterans are not lost to history. Our findings are shared with churches, cemeteries, historical societies, and other organizations entrusted with preserving these sacred resting places, helping communities better understand and honor those in their care.
Storytelling
Every soldier has a story, and every name represents a life of courage, sacrifice, and service. Through engaging presentations, publications, and social media outreach, we bring these stories to life for modern audiences. By connecting people with the individuals behind the records, we ensure that their voices continue to inspire and educate future generations.
Unified Historical Database
We are building a comprehensive, Pennsylvania-focused Civil War burial database that brings together soldiers’ names, military units, burial locations, and related historical and genealogical information. Designed to encompass every Civil War burial site in the Commonwealth, this growing resource transforms scattered records into a unified legacy archive. We also provide customized reports to local communities and organizations, helping them identify, understand, and commemorate the Civil War soldiers laid to rest within their stewardship.
Our Mission
To identify, document, preserve, and share the stories of every Civil War soldier buried in Pennsylvania, ensuring their service, sacrifice, and humanity are remembered for generations to come.
Visit Us On Social Media
Visit Us On Social Media
We frequently post about the soldiers we find in the field, visit us on instagram or Facebook to learn more! Click above to visit
Your donation helps preserve the memory of Civil War soldiers by supporting the research needed to locate, document, and report on their final resting places. Contributions help cover essential expenses such as research subscriptions, archival tools, database access, printing, and report production for the institutions and organizations responsible for caring for these historic burial sites. Every dollar helps ensure these soldiers are remembered, honored, and properly documented for future generations. Thank you for supporting this important preservation effort.
One of the main goals of this project is to reconnect communities with the soldiers who once called them home. Through research and storytelling, we strive to keep their memories alive and ensure that their courage, sacrifices, and achievements continue to be remembered for generations to come.
If you or your organization are interested in hosting a presentation, please click the image or visit this link to explore our current programs. If you would like to learn more about the project itself, we would be glad to speak with you. Contact us at WITSCivilWar@gmail.com.
Why Civil War Heritage Matters
It Was a National Reckoning
The Civil War reshaped the nation’s soul. In the U.S., the conflict redefined freedom, unity, and identity. Understanding it helps us grasp the roots of our divisions and ideals.
It Shows the True Cost of Division
The Civil War occurred because of unresolved political, racial, and social rifts. Learning about these causes helps explain how dangerous unchecked divisions can become.
Its Legacy Is Still With Us
Civil War outcomes echo through modern debates, racial justice, state vs. federal power, regional culture. Studying this history offers context for the issues that still define our national discourse.
It Connects Youth to Their Roots
Many families have stories, ancestors who fought, endured, or persevered through the Civil War. Exploring that heritage builds identity and bridges generations.
It’s About Ordinary People
The Civil War isn’t just the story of generals and battlefield maps. It’s the story of enslaved people seeking freedom, immigrants chasing opportunity, women and children enduring unimaginable hardship, and ordinary men, citizen soldiers, who stepped forward to fight for their beliefs. These everyday Americans didn’t just witness history; their courage helped shape it.
Civil War Heritage Discovery Assistance
Civil War Heritage Discovery Assistance
Discover the stories behind the names in your family tree. As a free service we will help you uncover and connect with relatives who served during the American Civil War. Whether you're looking to confirm a family story, learn about a soldier’s wartime experiences, or preserve your heritage for future generations, we provide personalized insights that help you create a meaningful connection to your Civil War roots.
WANTED If you have any lists (memorial day lists, full veteran lists etc) for any local cemeteries please send them to WitsCivilWar@gmail.com
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