Presentations

This is Walking in Their Shoes Current presentation list. 

All presentations run an hour or less

There is no charge for these, part of the project is to keep the memories of our local heroes alive! however a donation to the project is welcome!

Please contact WitsCivilWar@gmail.com to schedule a presentation!

Finding Your Civil War Veteran

This dynamic, interactive session will guide participants through the process of researching and identifying Civil War soldiers—especially those with ties to Pennsylvania. Through practical tips and proven strategies, we’ll walk step by step through our research methodology and demonstrate how to locate, interpret, and connect key historical records.

Participants will learn how to:

• Locate and analyze military service records

• Identify important clues when researching Civil War ancestors

• Navigate common challenges and roadblocks in historical research

While the session highlights Pennsylvania regiments, soldiers, and historical context, the techniques and tools presented can be applied to Civil War research across the United States. Whether you’re just beginning your search or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will help you uncover meaningful connections to the past.

The Names We Found: The Civil War History of __________ Cemetery

This fully customized presentation is designed exclusively for your organization. Simply provide the name of a cemetery you’d like to explore, and we will create a unique, in-depth program that brings its history to life—highlighting the Civil War soldiers buried there and sharing the stories of their service and sacrifice.

Each presentation is carefully researched and crafted to provide meaningful insight into the lives of these individuals, connecting your audience to the local impact of the Civil War in a personal and engaging way.

Please note: Because every program is custom-built, we kindly request a minimum of three months’ notice. This allows us the time needed to conduct thorough research and deliver a historically accurate, high-quality experience for your audience.

The 48th Pennsylvania Infantry

In the crucible of the American Civil War, a determined band of men from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, miners, railroad workers, canal workers and farmers, answered the call to serve. Known as the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry, they rose from their rugged industrial roots to face the harsh realities of war on some of the conflict’s most brutal and pivotal battlefields.

Under the leadership of General James Nagle and Colonel Henry Pleasants, these soldiers distinguished themselves through courage, ingenuity, and perseverance. From their early days of enlistment to their defining role in one of the war’s most daring operations, this is the story of their service, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy.

The 151st Pennsylvania Infantry

In the midst of the American Civil War, a nine-month regiment, composed largely of men from Berks County, rose from the classrooms, farms, and small towns of Pennsylvania to answer their nation’s call. Known as the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry, or the “Schoolteachers’ Regiment,” these citizen-soldiers brought intellect, discipline, and resolve to the field of battle.

This presentation traces their remarkable journey from everyday lives as farmers, laborers, and educators to the unforgiving realities of war, culminating in their courageous and defining stand at the Battle of Gettysburg. It is a story of duty, sacrifice, and extraordinary bravery in one of the pivotal moments of American history.

THE HARD LUCK 167th

The 167th Pennsylvania Infantry, the only “All-Berks” regiment of the Civil War, was formed from drafted men who left their homes to face not only the hardships of military service, but also skepticism and criticism that followed them throughout their enlistment.

Marked early by controversy, their experience sparked a heated war of words between the news papers in  Reading, Pennsylvania, and New York City, reflecting the challenges and perceptions faced by drafted soldiers during the conflict. Despite these hardships, the men of the 167th served with determination under difficult circumstances.

This is the story of a regiment tested not only by war, but by reputation an account of perseverance, resilience, and the struggle to prove their worth in a nation divided.

The Letters of William Iaeger

Born in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, William Iaeger’s life took an extraordinary path from laborer to inventor, and eventually to serving as the American Consul to the Dominican Republic during the Civil War.

His story unfolds through a remarkable collection of official letters, offering a firsthand glimpse into his experiences abroad during a time of global uncertainty. These writings reveal not only his diplomatic role, but also his perspective on international affairs and daily life far from home.

Following his service, Iaeger went on to become one of the largest landowners in West Virginia, ultimately leaving such a lasting mark that a town would bear his name, Iaeger West Virginia

Through his own words, discover the fascinating journey of a man whose life bridged industry, diplomacy, and legacy.

The Schuylkill Navigation in the Civil War

During the Civil War, the Schuylkill Navigation was far more than a transportation system, it was a vital artery of industry and support for the Union war effort. From the coal fields of Schuylkill County to the factories and cities that depended on its resources, the canal and its workers played a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in sustaining the nation at war.

This program reveals some of the Civil War stories of the boatmen, locktenders, and laborers who worked the canal and even the vessels themselves, durable canal boats that traversed the locks and waterways, wisked away to different parts of the country to become part of this effort, carrying the supplies that fueled the Union War effort.

Discover the unsung heroes of the canal system and the essential role they played in keeping the Union moving forward.