Gettysburg Preservation Progress June 2020 Vol.31,Issue 2

June 2020 | Volume 31, Issue 2

HISTORIC
GARDENS

CLARA
BARTON

Gen. Correspondent
Partners make

S Sit Happen:

TEVE IMS

Inside this issue… The Gettysburg Foundation is a non-prot Gettysburg Foundation
philanthropic, educational organization operating Administrative Offices
Historic Gardens Provide in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) [email protected]
Nourishment for the Community to preserve Gettysburg National Military Park 717-338-1243
and the Eisenhower National Historic Site, and
and the Soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to educate the public about their signicance. Friends of Gettysburg
From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Information
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg PA 17325 [email protected]
Phone 866-889-1243 | Tickets: 877-874-2478
Preserving A Legacy by Investing www.gettysburgfoundation.org Membership Operations Specialist
Dianne Pearce
in the Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Board Officers Secretary 717-339-2159
From the Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Chairman James R. Hanni
Where Am I & What Do I See?. . . . 11 Eric B. Schultz Friends Events Manager
Treasurer Bethany Yingling
Clara Barton, Vice Chair Shanon R. Toal, Jr. 717-339-2148
W. Craig Bashein
Gen. Correspondent . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Barbara J. Finfrock Management Team
Stephen Lang & The Wheatfield . . . 14
President President
Women of the War: Sarah Emma Matthew C. Moen, Ph.D. Matthew C. Moen, Ph.D.

Edmonds…Hidden Valor . . . . . . . . 16 Directors Michael S. Higgins Executive Assistant to the President
Events & Registrations . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Gordon Beittenmiller Robert W. Iuliano Tammy Becker
Donald P. Brennan A.J. Kazimi
Partners Make It Happen: Lance Bultena David Malgee Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Adriana Echavarria- Sandra S. Mellon Teddi A. Joyce, Ph.D.
Steve Sims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Eisenhower Dr. Carol A. Reardon
Friends’ Footnotes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Richard Edelman Jon C. Sirlin, Esq. Vice President of Philanthropy
Mark Your Calendar . . . . . . . . . . Back Stuart Haney George F. Will Elle Lamboy
David D. Hartman
On the cover… Vice President of Finance
Chairman Emeritus Dana McDonald
Raised bed gardens at the George Spangler Robert A. Kinsley
Farm & Field Hospital Site. Vice President of Facilities
Directors Emeriti David F. Remington Brian Shaffer
Did you know our newsletter is Dr. William E. Aldrich The Hon. Dick Thornburgh
also available in a digital format? Dr. Gabor Boritt Barbara Sardella, Esq. Newsletter Team
And, thanks to advances in digital LTG (Ret.) Daniel W. Wesley W. von Schack
technology, we’re able to offer videos, quick Christman Dr. Robert C. Wilburn Executive Editor
links and more throughout the newsletter. Beverly (Bo) DuBose, III Barbara J. Finfrock
Articles that offer an enhanced digital Dr. James M. McPherson
experience or additional content (beyond Managing Editor
just a quick link) are marked with a icon. Gettysburg National Military Park Elle Lamboy
To subscribe to the digital version, email Museum & Visitor Center
Elle at [email protected]. [email protected] Photographer
All you need is an email address! You Ray Matlock
can opt to receive the digital version only [email protected]
or both the paper and digital formats. Design
Battleeld Tours & Tickets: 877-874-2478 Gennifer Richie
This publication is produced by the
Gettysburg Foundation, which is a Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress
philanthropic, educational foundation
working in partnership with the National
Park Service. Its content may not represent
the views of Gettysburg National Military
Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site,
or the National Park Service.

2

Kendra and Jolene working the Sherfy Garden (March).

HISTORIC GARDENS

PROVIDE NOURISHMENT FOR THE COMMUNITY AND THE SOUL

By Elle Lamboy

Walt Whitman once stated, “Keep your face always toward and visiting gardens that were typical for that time period in our
the sun and the shadows will fall behind you.” geographic locality.”

Many Friends of Gettysburg volunteers found themselves During the Battle of Gettysburg, Joseph Sherfy’s home, farm,
“out of work” once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and we were orchards, buildings, and garden were transformed from a thriving
forced to close the Museum & Visitor Center, Rupp House family farmstead to a fiery battlefield. Lives were lost, structures
History Center, and other Foundation and Park properties. were burned, and the landscape was ravaged.

So, they looked toward the sun and headed to the garden. While restoring the historic
landscape was a priority,
The Gettysburg Foundation manages three historic gardens GETT and the Foundation
located throughout Gettysburg National Military Park (GETT) wanted to take the project
thanks to the help of our dedicated volunteers, led by certified a step farther and use the
master gardener, Jolene Matlock. The harvested produce benefits garden as a teaching tool.
the local food banks in Gettysburg. In 2012, they entered an
on-going partnership
Jolene, a retired RN, ensured the volunteers followed the with Gettysburg College,
proper safety precautions while tending to the gardens including in particular the College’s
wearing masks and practicing social distancing, only allowing Civil War Institute and
volunteers living in the same household to volunteer at a given Center for Public Service.
time slot, and providing gloves, sanitizing wipes, and hand
sanitizer to volunteers. Unfortunately, due to

Sherfy Garden the COVID-19 pandemic,

In 2010, the Foundation partnered with GETT to revive the Gettysburg College students
Sherfy garden to its historic appearance and function as a
thriving garden. According to Zach Bolitho, Chief of Resource are now telecommuting,
Management for GETT and Eisenhower National Historic Site
(EISE), GETT “designed the current garden from researching and cannot provide their Carolyn Burrell plants a new pea
usual assistance. Luckily, patch at the Sherfy Garden.

our Friends are willing to pick up the slack while we await

their return.

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 3

The Sherfy garden is the largest of the three historic gardens and that were used during the civil war period and may have been used
produces quite a bounty of produce including potatoes, beans, at the Spangler Farm hospital site. These six plants have distinct
zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, lettuces, kale, spinach, and a variety aromas, are non-toxic, and have historical significance for that
of other delicious veggies. time period. There are many more plants that were used, but they
have a level of toxicity that needed to be avoided.”
The surrounding flowers not only make for a beautiful landscape
but also are planted to particularly attract pollinators. She explained that the plants featured in the garden were used in
varying medical “preparations” like infusions, tinctures, syrups,
Bushman Garden oils, creams, ointments, compresses, and poultices like:

On July 2, 1863, the Bushman farm was crossed by Confederate Lavender: Used as stimulant; aromatic perfume
troops attacking Little Round Top and Devil’s Den and the barn in sachets for long lasting fragrance; calming effect;
likely served as a field hospital. Like many other Gettysburg relieved headache, soothed nervousness, colic
residents, the Bushman family, who had left before the battle, or insect repellent. Lavender was ingested as a tea,
suffered losses, theft, and property damage. or tincture, made into sachets.

The Foundation restored the historic Bushman garden in 2018 Lemon Balm: Used as a sedative; relieved headache;
due to the great success of the Sherfy Garden. The Bushman mild sedative; relieved digestive spasm. Could be
garden is a series of four raised beds constructed by NPS. At ingested as a tea or a compress applied to sores or
the present time two of the boxes have medicinal herbs but painful swellings.
eventually Jolene envisions “one box for a ‘cutting’ flower garden;
another will be utilized as a small sample ‘kitchen’ garden.” Lambs Ear: Used as a wound dressing. Used as a
field dressing for injuries due to its antiseptic anti-
Friends volunteer Sharon Jackson notes, “Abraham Lincoln inflammatory, antibacterial super absorbency. The
reportedly said, ‘We can complain because rose bushes have “fuzzy leaves” were used to absorb and clot blood.
thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.’ To say that
we have found ourselves in an unprecedented situation would Peppermint: Used as an anti-nausea, stomach and
not be an understatement. The world as I thought of it, at least bowel spasm; relieve indigestion and colic. Also
for now, has changed in ways I could never have imagined. used to mask odor as an oil and inhaled as steam
That being said, I am blessed, truly blessed, to have a soothing for nasal congestion.
and comforting balm when my nerves are worn and raw. I
am so incredibly grateful to the Gettysburg Foundation for the English Thyme: Used as an antiseptic, anti-viral,
opportunity to be a small part of the incredible team of volunteers anti-fungal, anti-parasitic. Assists in removing
who work at the Bushman and Sherfy gardens. Especially now, mucus from head, lungs, chest infections and
in a frightening and uncertain time, I can work at these sites and pneumonia. Promotes healing and combating
transport myself to a place of calm and peace. How incredibly infection. Used as a tincture, tea, and topical to
ironic it seems as these sites themselves were the same places increase blood flow.
where so many found fear and uncertainty. It is as though the
whispered voices of the soldiers and civilians provide the gentle Fennel: Used for digestive upset, indigestion, colic,
breeze and sunny respite, giving me the gift of the quiet and intestinal worms, cough, sore throat, laryngitis.
repose I am so fortunate to find at these sacred places. How lucky Used as a mouthwash.
for me that they endured the thorns, yet I can smell the roses.”
Marigolds: Used as a tea for digestion, gallbladder
Once travel is again permitted, visitors to the battlefield can stay in problems.
the renovated Bushman home while admiring the garden, courtesy
of www.recreation.gov. This garden will be a part of the interpretation programming
at the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital Site in the future.
Spangler Garden
On a typical year, the gardens provide over a whopping 1,000
This year, the Foundation installed raised bed gardens at the pounds of produce to the Gettysburg community, while also
George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital Site. feeding the souls of our dedicated volunteers and Friends.

According to Jolene, “The purpose of the raised bed garden is Next time you are in Gettysburg, be sure to visit the gardens.
to provide a ‘touch and feel’ introduction to medicinal plants You are likely to encounter one of our Friends along the way who
would love to give you a tour of their bounty, with a little history
on the side.

4 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

“All our friends—they are too numerous to
be now named individually, while there is no one of them

who is not too dear to be forgotten or neglected.”

—Abraham Lincoln dinner toast, Springfield, Illinois, 1837, from Roy Basler, The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Volume I

We were in an afternoon meeting on March 16 with our facility so near the sacrifices of the Union’s Irish Brigade.
Many of you know well the story of Father William Corby,
National Park Service (NPS) partners when we received memorialized on Hancock Avenue. He provided absolution
word that Pennsylvania was mandating closure of all non- to the Irish Brigade
essential businesses at 8:00 p.m. that evening. on July 2, 1863, before
their terrible fight in
What ensued was an incredible scramble by two teams of the Wheatfield.
dedicated professionals to inform the visiting public, cancel
upcoming tour groups, and vacate the premises. By that We will reopen when
evening, we were out of the building, with plans in place Pennsylvania and
for additional follow-up actions; by the close of business CDC best practices
the next day, public areas of the Museum & Visitor Center tell us it is appropriate
(MVC) had been cleaned and disinfected. to do so. In the
meantime, we turn
Our team rose to the occasion, or if you wish to think to you with deep
about it in Civil War terms, we staged a well-executed, gratitude for remaining our Friends, for sticking with us
orderly retreat. during a di cult time. As Friends, you are too numerous
to be named, but too dear to be forgotten, just to reprise
Closure could not have come at a worse time—at the very a quote.
outset of our spring busy season of schoolchildren and bus
tours, of families drawn to Gettysburg for its history and Please take heart in the fact that we continue to make
demonstrable progress on constructing a Rupp House
attractive charm. It’s museum (see related story on page 7) and a permanent
the time of year we Eisenhower exhibit in the Museum & Visitor Center,
relish because so among many other initiatives. Our NPS partners are gaining
many Americans a momentum under new permanent Superintendent Steve
are absorbing the Sims that will become readily apparent after the closure is
signature battle of behind us and we are back working together on our joint
the Civil War and projects.
because so many of
you stop by at some An orderly retreat alongside our NPS colleagues on the day
point to participate we closed is a harbinger of the close cooperation to come in
in our activities, the days ahead.
or just say hello. We deeply regretted having to cancel
scheduled Foundation events. We wish you safety, health, and blessed peace during this
time, when all Americans will need the resolve of which
Friends are like a four-leaf clover, the Irish proverb goes: Lincoln so famously spoke in the Gettysburg Address.
hard to find, lucky to have. The words so suitable because
we feel that way about you. Matthew C. Moen, Ph.D.

The first full day we were closed to the public was March
17—St. Patrick’s Day. Ironic that we had to close on what
is normally a joyous occasion, and that we had to close a

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 5

FROM THE EDITOR

By Barbara J. Finfrock

Living in the story explains all. Next
countryside outside time you come here,

Gettysburg, I am drive around to see

accustomed to seeing these gardens and the

open spaces with only volunteers who make

farm animals and wildlife, that happen.

but very few people. I am Something else new
not, however, accustomed this year is the arrival
to seeing open spaces of Steve Sims, the recent
with very few people in new superintendent of
town and no people at both Gettysburg National
the Gettysburg National Military Park (GETT)
Military Park Museum and Eisenhower National
& Visitor Center (MVC), Historic Site (EISE).
Rupp House, or Spangler The partnership between
Farm. As you know and GF and the NPS entities
have been experiencing we are fortunate to have
wherever you live, this in Gettysburg is unique
has been a spring that in its formation and in its
we hope passes soon. breadth of responsibilities.

“Good work” and “thank Already there have been

you” are two expressions strengthening meetings

that we toss off quite often. and cooperative

COVID-19 has given new exchanges since Sims’

meaning to those terms. arrival in January. You will

The staff and volunteers of enjoy getting to know him
the Gettysburg Foundation Barbara teleworks for this issue of P&P wearing her favorite editing shirt. a bit later in this issue.

(GF) and our partners in the National Park Service (NPS) had Another great partner of ours featured in this issue is actor and
to scramble quickly and without a syllabus to make decisions Kinsley Award Winner, Mr. Stephen Lang. Holding true to his
that were personal and professional, with financial ramifications promise to further engage future generations in the powerful
in both areas. Cancellations were required—of events and of stories here in Gettysburg, he’s written a children’s book based on
paychecks. Consider this a formal “thank you” to each of you his play The Wheatfield. We are fortunate to debut the first edition
for the words of encouragement that you sent to many of us of the book at our museum bookstore.
during the worst of the pandemic.
Since 2007, this newsletter has featured “Partners Make It Happen,”
I hope you find inspiration, as I did, in Howard Burrell’s story nearly always about an NPS person. This time, in addition to
about Sarah Emma Edmonds who not only served as a soldier, our o cial NPS partner, you all are recognized and thanked as
hospital attendant and messenger, but she also volunteered to the Friends who have been and continue to be the partners who
conduct some secret war missions. “make it happen” for each of us through your loyalty and love for

Speaking of volunteers, there are now three gardens raising Gettysburg. Here’s to you: good work and thank you!

vegetables and herbs which are being put to good use. The cover

6 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

PRESERVING A LEGACY

BY INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

By Elle Lamboy

Our Renovate It’s then that the gravity and significance of what took place here
Rupp project begins to have real meaning.”
has continued to
make significant David and Sherri wanted to ensure their granddaughters, and
progress. Thanks children from across the country and the world, could develop
to our wonderful the same passion for what happened here as they did with their
partnership with children. In honor of their son Geoff and his family, the Malgees
exhibit design team PRD (Planning, Research, Design), we’ve contributed $100,000 in support of the Rupp House renovation
reached 60% design completion and are beginning to select stating, “The idea of a children’s museum in the Rupp House
images, text, and interactive activities to start bringing our captured our hearts immediately, but not only as an appropriate
concepts to life. way to honor Geoff—It’s also a great opportunity to foster curiosity
in younger children that may spark a life-long interest in our
While the Rupp House History Center will continue to teach the history and an appreciation for what happened here at Gettysburg.
inspiring story of Gettysburg’s civilians, it will now present them I believe that this will be a great addition to the community and
in a way that makes sense to our young learners—igniting a spark an enhancement of the visitor experience. Sherri and I are proud
of historic curiosity that will last a lifetime. to be a part of this exciting project.”

This focus on families In addition, David is providing the Gettysburg Foundation
experiencing history access to some priceless artifacts he acquired that will enhance
together resonated with The Children of Gettysburg, 1863 exhibit at the Rupp House.
Gettysburg Foundation One of these artifacts belonged to Mary Scott, a young girl living
board member and in Gettysburg during the battle. After the soldiers left her town,
active Gettysburg she discovered a soldier’s haversack which she used to store her
community member nursery rhymes. Both the haversack and nursery rhyme cards
David Malgee and his will be highlighted in the exhibit.
wife, Sherri.
David is also donating
The Malgee family a ledger that has the
tragically lost their son, original listing of
Geoff, on February 1, subscribers to the
2020. Geoff, 34, was Shelly, David, Sherri, and Geoff Malgee on Gettysburg Battlefield
a loving husband and Little Round Top. Memorial Association,
father to two young girls, with another child on the way. When including Thaddeus
Geoff and his sister, Shelly, were young David brought them to Stevens and Edward
the Gettysburg battlefield, passing on his lifetime love of history Everett, who both bought
to his children by sharing the incredible stories of the soldiers and shares in the Association on the day of Lincoln’s immortal address.
civilians who gave their all. This important artifact reveals how immediate the need was to
preserve this critical time in our history—and how we are carrying
David, a long-time student of the Battle of Gettysburg and on that legacy over 150 years later.
collector of Civil War-era artifacts, understands the importance of
telling the stories of what happened at Gettysburg—that “It’s when The Gettysburg Foundation is honored to have this generous
people can connect an artifact with the battlefield, or with a soldier support from the Malgee family and looks forward to bringing
who fought here, or with a resident of Gettysburg who lived The Children of Gettysburg, 1863 at the Rupp House History
through the battle and its aftermath, that history truly comes alive. Center project to fruition during the summer of 2021.

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 7

FROM THE PARK

By Christopher Gwinn
Chief of Interpretation and Education
Gettysburg National Military Park

ParkHAPPENINGS

These are uncertain times at Gettysburg National Military Park (GETT)
and Eisenhower National Historic Site (EISE). As a result of the coronavirus,
the Museum & Visitor Center (MVC) is closed, the David Wills House
is shuttered, the Eisenhower Farm is silent. When we would normally be
welcoming throngs of students and young learners to the park, we instead
encounter empty parking lots and closed gates. No one is entirely sure
what the future will bring.

During such moments of crisis, we would do well to look at the experiences of the people whose stories we
share at our parks. For the 2,000 men, women, and children who called Gettysburg home in 1863, they too
lived under days of “uncertainty and dread.” They experienced the chaos of battle, the horror of its aftermath
and the years of rebuilding that followed. Or we could look at the dark days prior to the Normandy Invasion,
when Dwight D. Eisenhower was faced with the impending invasion of Europe, knowing that the lives of
thousands rested on the decisions he would make.
In both cases, we see the power of fortitude, resilience, and determination. As Robert E. Lee once remarked,
“It is history that teaches us to hope.” As our parks and visitors continue to navigate the challenges ahead, we
can and should draw inspiration from these stories, knowing that while these important places lay dormant,
they are as relevant and important as ever. In that spirit, the team at GETT and EISE continue to monitor and
protect park resources, park visitors, and continue important work on a variety of projects.

“It is history that teaches us to hope.”

8 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

with a Ranger” episodes, blog articles, as well as Daily at Home
Civil War lessons. The park is excited to be partnering with
CSPAN American History TV to broadcast previous Winter
Lectures and Battle Anniversary programs. Additionally, Scholastic
Publishing, Pennsylvania Cable Network, and the Civil War
Institute at Gettysburg College will be working with the park to
share the battlefield with those unable to physically visit the park.

New Virtual Tour

The park is excited to have launched a long-awaited Virtual
Tour video series. This new Virtual Tour will be live on the park’s
website (www.nps.gov/gett) and features Chris Gwinn as the host

Kristina Heister Named Permanent Deputy and commentator. This series includes an introduction at the
Superintendent Museum & Visitor Center and one video for each of the Auto
Tour stops. The o cial launch was during National Park Week
We are happy to share the news that Kris Heister has been selected (April 18–26). The park will work with the Gettysburg Foundation
as the permanent deputy superintendent for Gettysburg NMP to help spread the word of this new video series.
and Eisenhower NHS. Kris has been an integral part of the team
since last summer when she served as acting superintendent, From the Field
and more recently, as the acting deputy superintendent. In
this new role, Kris will help the National Park Service and the The maintenance team is busy with a variety of projects on the
Gettysburg Foundation move forward in a positive and productive battlefield, including repairing and replacing fences in the Pickett’s
way for the preservation and protection of our resources and the Charge area of the battlefield and mowing along park avenues.
visitor experience. The Monument Preservation Branch will be working on the
second phase of re-pointing the wall surrounding the National
Digital Programming Cemetery. The Warfield House rehabilitation is still prioritized for
completion this summer, and visitors can also expect to see staff
The education and interpretive team continue to develop online performing masonry stabilization work at the Rose Barn ruins site.
content to share with our “digital” visitors. This includes newly
released programming on our YouTube channel, live “Coffee

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 9

FROM THE PARK

Cultural Landscape Reports New Temporary Exhibit

Staff are reviewing two new cultural landscape reports. These Resource Management and Interpretation are working together
documents provide a history of how individual park landscapes to develop a new exhibit for the Gilder Lehrman Gallery focused
have evolved over time, with recommendations for future on the experience of soldiers who served during the Civil War.
improvements. These new reports cover the battlefield of July We are identifying some of the treasured artifacts from the park’s
1st where the initial shots of the battle were fired and the Culp’s collection as well as from the collection of the Civil War Museum
Hill battlefield. of Philadelphia.

New Faces and Bittersweet Goodbyes I like Ike! News from Eisenhower National
Historic Site
Join us in welcoming two new faces to the Gettysburg team.
Pam Neil recently assumed the role of permit coordinator. The staff at EISE and GETT worked together to review and
Pam is a Gettysburg veteran, having worked at the battlefield comment on the first draft for the design of the new Eisenhower
as an Interpretive Ranger before moving on to positions at Exhibit that will be located in the current Spotlight Exhibit
Independence National Historical Park and Grand Portage location at the MVC. The exhibit is funded by the Gettysburg
National Monument. Billy Chapman joined the park as the Foundation and the Pritzker Military Foundation and will
new coordinator of the Adopt-a-Position program. Prior to focus on General and President Eisenhower, First Lady Mamie
his assignment at Gettysburg, Billy worked in Glacier National Eisenhower, and their relationship to the Gettysburg Battlefield
Park with their volunteer program. and surrounding community. Stories the exhibit will explore

Historian and Librarian John Heiser o cially retired from GETT
in April, concluding a forty-year career with the National Park
Service. John has been instrumental in managing the park library,
working with researchers, colleagues and the general public. John
will be irreplaceable but we wish him well on this new adventure!

Historian and Librarian John Heiser. Camp Colt at Gettysburg.
are Eisenhower’s leadership experiences during WWI at Camp
10 Colt, located on the fields of Pickett’s Charge, the significance of
having a presidential home in Gettysburg, PA, and the history
that was made within the home. Installation of the exhibit is
anticipated for December 2020.

Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

Where Am I What Do I See?

During these weeks of COVID-19 that we have all been enduring together regardless of where we live, we are reminded of other years
when Gettysburg was a community in crisis. There are reminders of a variety of crises on the battlefield and in the borough, not only from
Civil War days but also from World War I. Your roving reporter and photographer thought we all need to learn, once again, from the past
by identifying these places and things that Gettysburg survived. We certainly did!

Answers to this quiz are in Friends Footnotes.

12

PHOTO 1: This one-story frame house, purchased in1857 from Abraham Brien, was the PHOTO 2: This is the birthplace of a young girl who lived with her parents and brothers
rst home of a man recognized for many things including ringing the Gettysburg College until July 1, 1863. As the Confederates neared their home, they ed for perhaps a safer
bell for events. In early 1860, he moved the family to a larger house near the College place but also to help a family member. The refuge they sought, only a half-mile away,
but never sold this house. In1863, this man quickly took his family out of Gettysburg and was eventually riddled with more than 150 bullets during the battle through the town.
returned later. Name the owner of this house, his job for some 50 years, and the crisis that Although working at a household task, this girl was the victim of an accidental crisis.
caused him to leave town. Name the girl, whose home she ran to, and what she was doing when killed.

34

PHOTO 3: This lone pine tree was planted by non-Civil War veterans on the east side of PHOTO 4: This farm house near the railroad cut was in the path of the Confederate army
Emmitsburg Road to commemorate a place, a commander, and the devastating, non-war approaching from the west and served as a convenient place for their wounded after Day 1
related crisis that claimed many lives. The spot remains as a symbol for all to see and of the battle. Both house and barn became a eld hospital, and many burials on this site
remember. Name the commemorated place, its commander, and the crisis these veterans are recorded in Dr. J.W.C. O’Neal’s record of Confederate burials. Though his family left
survived. during the crisis of battle, the owner remained. Name the owner, the Confederate division
commander, and the location (road name).

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 11

CLARA BARTON,
Gen. Correspondent By Sue Boardman

“Dear Madam, your communication of March 27 is
received … and has been placed upon my lists. It will
constitute my most earnest endeavor to bring these
lists within the notice of returned prisoners everywhere.
Be assured that as soon as any information … is gained,
it will be most promptly … forwarded to you.”

This letter, dated April 26, 1865, was addressed to Eliza Hill of Bradford County, PA and was
signed by Clara Barton. Mrs. Hill wrote to Barton at the O ce of Missing Soldiers seeking
information about her son, Wilson Hill, a soldier in Co. I, 141st PA Volunteers who had been
missing since May, 1863. By the time the letter was written, Barton had created a resource
for thousands of families who had lost contact with their sons, husbands or fathers and who
desperately sought information about them.

12 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

Prior to the Civil War, Hurricane (1900), and fought for equal rights for women. She
finally retired from public life in 1904 after leaving a legacy of
Clara Barton, Massachusetts native and educator, established compassionate leadership wherever and whenever she saw a need.
a free school in Bordentown, NJ which grew to accommodate
300 students. She left when the school hired a man at twice As for Eliza Wilson, she was provided the information she had
her salary. In 1854, she took a job in the U.S. Patent O ce in sought by way of a note she received from the O ce of Missing
Washington, DC, and resided in a boarding house near her Soldiers informing her that her son had been wounded and taken
workplace on 7th Street. When the war began, Clara quit her prisoner at the Battle of Chancellorsville, VA in May 1863. Wilson
job to gather
supplies and to care died of disease in
for wounded Union Andersonville Prison
troops, first in the (GA) on October 24,
hospitals in the city 1864 and was buried
and later in the field. there in the National
She understood Cemetery. Private Hill
how the military had helped support his
system worked, family before the war
and was able to because his father died
assess, through in 1853; he continued
a humanitarian to do so with the
perspective, where pay he received as
needs were not being met and set about to meet them. a soldier. With the
information provided by Barton’s o ce, Mrs. Hill was able to apply
In 1865, the government needed help in notifying relatives of for and receive a mother’s pension. More importantly, she was
those who were missing or had died in captivity. Abraham Lincoln given peace of mind knowing that her son was given a proper
appointed Barton to the post of General Correspondent for the burial with his comrades.
Friends of Paroled Prisoners. Her job was to respond to anxious
inquiries from the friends and relatives of missing soldiers by Compassionate leadership, so perfectly illustrated through the
locating them among the prison rolls, parole rolls, or casualty lists life of Clara Barton, is a relatively new trend in leadership
at the camps in Annapolis, Maryland. Soon the work expanded development. Marc Lesser, co-founder and former CEO of
well beyond the troops at Annapolis. With each inquiry, the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute, states, “Compassionate
missing soldier’s name was placed on lists printed and circulated leadership begins with the intention to see as others see and feel
throughout the country. The first list contained about 1,500 names as others feel. By practicing genuine empathy, leaders are better
along with an appeal by Barton for anyone recognizing a name to positioned to cultivate mindfulness in others, enabling them to
contact her with information. Eventually there were five such lists. both fulfill their own potential and to unleash it in those around
Because her relief work in the field was well known by this time, them for a greater good.” This holistic approach to leadership,
many soldiers responded to her requests for information out of along with good communication, mindfulness, and mission-focus,
respect for her. recognizes that every decision a leader makes will impact the lives
of those they lead.
Barton worked from rooms in her boarding house, supervising
a dedicated group of clerks and paying them from her own The medical care of the wounded is a fascinating part of
personal funds. By 1868 when her O ce of Missing Soldiers Civil War studies. For interesting stories of this aspect of the
closed, she and her small staff had received over 63,000 requests Gettysburg story, visit the George Spangler Farm, which
for help. They were able to locate over 22,000 men, a few of whom served as the 11th Corps Hospital during and after the battle.
were still alive. The closure she brought to families of soldiers gave It is also the site of the Gettysburg Foundation’s executive
her great satisfaction, but her talents as a compassionate leader leadership program which takes the powerful lessons of
were far from over. She would go on to facilitate the founding of Gettysburg from the battlefield to the boardroom.
the American Red Cross (1881), provided relief work for soldiers
during the Spanish American War (1898), organized humanitarian
aid during the Johnstown Flood (1889) and the Galveston

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 13

By Brian Klinzing
14 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

Stephen Lang, acclaimed stage and screen actor, playwright and STEPHEN LANG
author has been using his considerable talents to promote the
Gettysburg Foundation (Foundation) for many years. His acting illustrated by the bros. smith
career has spanned five decades, with numerous memorable roles.
His award-winning Broadway performances include A Few Good from the young artists the Brothers Smith (Alex and Adrian),
the story is sure to delight readers young and old when it appears
Men, Death of a Salesman, and in print later this year.
The Speed of Darkness. His many
films include Last Exit to Brooklyn, He also returned to Gettysburg to work with his friend Jake
Tombstone, Gods and Generals, Boritt on The Gettysburg Story, a stirring retelling of the Battle of
Public Enemies, Don’t Breathe, Gettysburg and its aftermath using cutting-edge video technology.
and Avatar. But most of us know With exclusive access to the battlefield and using drones to capture
him best for his turn as Pickett never-before-seen views, Lang brings the incredible footage to
in Gettysburg. life. The project built on Lang’s voiceover of the audio tour of the
battlefield that is sold in the MVC bookstore.
His interest in American history
runs deep. “When Shaara’s book Finally, on his latest visit to Gettysburg, Lang received the
The Killer Angels came out, I was inaugural Kinsley Award, named after Robert A. and Anne
a young actor just starting out,” W. Kinsley and their family in honor of their years of service
says Lang. “I can recall thinking and financial support for the mission of the Foundation. Lang
that the role I would want to play out of this incredible cast of was a natural choice for the inaugural Kinsley Award, which
characters was George Pickett. In many ways, he represented a the Foundation plans to present to a person or organization
mythic southern ideal of gallantry and was anxious for glory. exemplifying Abraham Lincoln’s vision of a humble, civil, and
Years later I was fortunate to play Pickett in the movie Gettysburg. inclusive society. In Lang’s moving acceptance speech, he remarked
Filming here in town was so memorable, I have been coming that “Gettysburg is comprised of a thousand individual memories
back ever since.” and stories, events and legends, failures and triumphs—we can
think of Lincoln or Lee. Of Reynolds or Buford. Of Meade,
Lang in many ways is an ambassador for the town, the Gettysburg Armistead, Chamberlain, Marcellus Jones, Pop Greene, John
National Military Park (GETT), and the Foundation. Long a Burns, Jennie Wade. We can thrill to the words Little Round Top,
Friend of the Foundation, Lang lent his considerable talents to Devil’s Den, the Peach Orchard, Culp’s Hill, Cemetery Ridge,
a number of events and projects over the years. His one-man Bloody Run, or The Wheatfield. These names, and a thousand
show The Wheatfield tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg more, are stitches in a historical tapestry that tells our story. A
through the eyes of Union o cer and Medal of Honor awardee story that is mythic in both terrible beauty and beautiful tragedy.”
James Jackson Purman. It is a story of courage and sacrifice, of
an unusual friendship formed in the Wheatfield between a Union Lang looks forward to his next visit to town to read his story
and Confederate soldier under fire. of an improbable friendship that formed in The Wheatfield to
a group of students who are eager to learn from personal stories
Having performed it as part of his Beyond Glory performance what happened here in Gettysburg. We can’t wait to listen to the
hundreds of times and in places as far flung as an aircraft carrier master storyteller sharing one of his favorite stories. Look for
on patrol, he has brought Purman to life in Gettysburg several The Wheatfield on your next visit, available in the MVC bookstore
times, dating back to the grand opening of the Gettysburg in a special edition later this year.
Museum & Visitor Center (MVC) more than a decade ago.
With Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer as the host, he performed a
modified version of Beyond Glory featuring The Wheatfield again
in October 2018 as part of the Foundation’s Great Conversations
public education program. The lively discussion with Holzer
following his performance was a memorable event that touched
on the theme of using artistry to instill an interest in history
among the public, a talent Lang has in abundance.

He is currently working with the Foundation on a project to
turn the incredible story of The Wheatfield into a book for young
readers. Featuring Lang’s poetic writing and colorful illustrations

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 15

Women
OF THE WAR
SARAH EMMA
EDMONDS
…HIDDEN VALOR

By Howard F. Burrell

According to nineteenth century custom, there were One day when newly formed regiments were leaving their
many things Sarah Emma Edmonds was not supposed home town and saying their good-byes to family and friends,
to be doing with her life just because she was a woman, but Sarah observed, “While I stood there and beheld manly
she did them anyway. Edmonds, along with more than four forms convulsed with emotion, and heard the sobs of those
hundred other women, defied convention by serving bravely whom they were leaving behind, I could only thank God
and effectively, though secretly, in both the Union and that I was free and could go forward and work, and was not
Confederate armies. These daring women wanted to serve obliged to stay at home and weep.”
their country, defend their cause, go along beside their
loved ones who went off to war, and provide help wherever Sarah was a Canadian, born in New Brunswick in 1841
they could. They weren’t supposed to be there. They were and named Sarah Emma Edmondson. Her farmer father
supposed to stay home and keep the home fires burning and wanted a son to help him work the farm and held a grudge
wait and pray for their men to return. But Sarah and other against her from her birth for not being born a boy. On the
women like her had different fires to tend; the one inside farm she learned to ride, hunt, shoot, and take care of herself.
them that inspired a desire to defend their cause and drove She suffered abuse from her father and at 16 she left home,
them to do whatever they could. For Sarah Edmonds it was immigrated to the United States and changed her name to
to preserve the freedom and liberty of her adopted nation. Edmonds. In order to more easily obtain employment and
further assure escape from her father, she dressed as a boy,

16 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

and further changed her name to Franklin Thompson. By 1861, what happened next. “Thinking this would be a good time to
Sarah was selling books and Bibles and was living independently cancel all obligations in that direction, I discharged the contents
in Flint, Michigan. With the start of the war, she decided to aid of my pistol in his face…The Confederate Captain was wounded
the Union effort by volunteering under her alias Franklin Flint badly but not mortally; his handsome face was very much
Thompson, a 3-year recruit in the 2nd Michigan Volunteer disfigured…I was sorry, for the graceful curve of his mustache
Infantry Regiment, Company F, the Flint Union Greys. She had was sadly spoiled. I felt sorry for his bride.”
no idea what she was about to endure.
After the battle of Antietam, Sarah, dressed as Private Thompson,
Sarah’s unit covered the retreat after the disastrous Battle of First walked among the thousands of wounded caring for those she
Bull Run and she remained with the wounded to care for them came upon as best she could. She was called aside by a very
as a male hospital attendant. In the following months, the 2nd youthful looking soldier bleeding profusely. Asking what could
Michigan, as part of the Army of the Potomac, took Sarah into be done for the soldier, Sarah heard the words, “Yes, there is, but
such conflicts as the Battle of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Seven quickly for I am dying.” The soldier entrusted to Sarah a secret
Days Battles, Malvern Hill, Groveton, and Second Bull Run. that had been kept undetected for two years. “I am not what I seem
During this time, Sarah was nearly captured by the Confederates but am a female. I have neither father, mother, nor sister. My only
but kept faithful to the wounded in her care, putting their needs brother was killed today just before I was wounded…please bury
and comfort before her own. She also was assigned duties as a me with your own hands that after my death none may know that
messenger and mail carrier. Her book, Nurse and Spy in the Union I am other than my appearance indicates.” Sarah granted the dying
Army describes the horrors of war around her in graphic detail. soldier’s final request. Ironically, Sarah never told her that she
would be laid to rest by the hands of a woman soldier like herself.
Not only did Sarah Edmonds serve as a soldier, hospital attendant, Sarah interred her under a mulberry tree beside the battlefield,
and messenger, she also volunteered to conduct espionage apart from the others.
missions within and behind Confederate lines. Her propensity
and skill in disguising herself as someone else enabled her to Following Antietam, Sarah and her regiment saw action at
conduct several dangerous but valuable spy missions on behalf Fredericksburg and the Siege of Vicksburg. Soon after Vicksburg
of the Army of the Potomac. Two of her favorite disguises she became weakened and totally exhausted with malaria
were that of a female Irish peddler and a young black boy, both and, not wanting her true gender to be discovered during her
complete with believable accents. Using these covers Sarah was hospitalization, obtained a disability discharge from the Federal
able to secure valuable information concerning Confederate army. Sarah recuperated in Washington, D.C. and throwing aside
troop strength and the impending movement of their army. her Franklin Thompson persona, she worked there as a nurse for
the U. S. Christian Commission. She wrote her memoirs of the
Sarah was a dedicated Christian, a product of the Third Great war a year later and donated the profits from the book to soldiers’
Awakening of the mid-to-late nineteenth century. This fervent aid organizations. Her successful book eventually launched for
evangelical religious movement swept through armies of both her a new career as a lecturer. Happily, in 1867, Sarah married
the North and the South. Sarah’s story is one of deep religious a childhood friend, Linus Seelye. They had three children but
commitment as she tells of sharing her faith with wounded and sadly all died in their youth. The Seelyes then adopted two boys.
dying men. As much as she relied on her faith in times of stress In 1886, she finally received her soldier’s pension of $12 per
and trouble, she was also not afraid to take up a weapon when month. She died of a stroke at age 67 in 1898 in Texas.
the situation called for it.
Sarah Emma Edmonds Seelye’s proud legacy, like that of the many
On one occasion while dressed as a southern soldier, Sarah went women who served both the Union and the Confederacy largely
behind the Confederate lines to gather information on their troop anonymously, is an often unrecognized and underappreciated
movements. She went house to house on the pretense of gathering contribution to American history. Those women both named and
butter and eggs for the soldiers. She unfortunately went to a unknown who paved the way for gender inclusion in the military
house where a Captain who was a cavalry recruiting o cer was are owed a debt of gratitude.
celebrating his wedding that day. Unable to explain to the Captain
about the unit to which she was assigned, she was obliged to join Sources:
his own cavalry unit. That very next day the Confederate cavalry She Went to the Field: Women Soldiers of the Civil War, First Edition, Bonnie
engaged Federal horse soldiers and during the deadly engagement, Tsui. The Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, Connecticut, 2006.
Sarah found herself next to a Federal o cer who recognized her. Nurse and Spy in the Union Army, Sarah Emma Edmonds. Published by Good
The Confederates charged the Federal o cer and Sarah found Press, 2019.
herself face to face with the newlywedded Captain. She described Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy,
Seymour Reit. Harcourt, Inc. New York, NY, 1988.

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 17

Friends of Gettysburg

Upcoming Programs

July 18, 2020 October 24, 2020

Encounters with History – Generals Killed at Gettysburg Encounters with History –
with Licensed Battlefield Guide Joe Mieczkowski “Action Forward!” Civil War Field
Artillery at Gettysburg with Licensed
This is a full-day indoor and outdoor Battlefield Guide David Donahue
program. An indoor lecture will be held from This is a full-day indoor and outdoor
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Ford Education program. A lecture will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the
Center in the Gettysburg National Military Ford Education Center in the Gettysburg National Military Park
Park Museum & Visitor Center, followed Museum & Visitor Center, followed by a moderate walking tour
by an outdoor program from 12:30 p.m. from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This classroom and battlefield exercise
to 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. is a six-hour introduction to the use of artillery by the armies at
More generals were killed at Gettysburg than any Civil War Gettysburg. The three-hour morning classroom session will be a
battlefield. The program will examine the responsibilities of a lecture/discussion of the mission, tactics, ammunition, equipment,
general o cer. We will discuss the individuals killed here, their organization, and logistical support of artillery in the Army of
military career and circumstances of their death. We will visit the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia. The afternoon
places on the battlefield where these men lost their life. Together practical exercise will take the students to the First Day battlefield
we will discuss the impact of their loss on the battle/war, the where they will have the opportunity to evaluate the challenges
ongoing controversies as well as their continuing legacy. This that Union First Corps artillery battery commanders faced on
program includes an easy walking tour. July 1st, 1863. Participants can then determine how and why
those batteries fought as they did that day. The afternoon session
September 26, 2020 will include a roughly one mile walk over rough terrain.

Encounters with History – From California to December 5, 2020
Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Brigade Defends Cemetery
Ridge with Licensed Battlefield Guide Mary Turk-Meena Encounters with History – The Hospital Woods Today:
Camp Letterman at Gettysburg with Licensed Battlefield
This is a full-day indoor and outdoor program. Guide Sue Boardman
A lecture will be held from 9:00 a.m. to This is a full-day indoor and outdoor
12:00 p.m. in the Ford Education Center program. An indoor lecture will be held
in the Gettysburg National Military Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the
Museum & Visitor Center, followed by Ford Education Center in the Gettysburg
a moderate walking tour from 1:00 p.m. National Military Park Museum & Visitor
to 4:00 p.m. “Never known to stand fire,” Center, followed by an outdoor program
the Philadelphia Brigade fights “in the front” on July 2 and July 3 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Established
at Gettysburg, defending the most important position of the in the aftermath of the Civil War battle of July 1–3, 1863, Camp
Union fishhook along Cemetery Ridge. First recruited to fulfill Letterman represented the consolidation of at least sixty small
California’s obligation to supply troops for the Northern armies, field hospitals scattered around the Gettysburg area. From July 20
these diverse men, from the firehouses of Philadelphia, the coal through November 20 of that year, this field hospital, named
mines of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Irish immigrants from for Army of the Potomac medical director Jonathan Letterman
Philadelphia return to their roots to fight for Pennsylvania and and located on one hundred acres of land about one mile east
their country. At Gettysburg, they fill the center of the Union line of Gettysburg, housed more than 4,000 patients, both Union
along Cemetery Ridge and defend against the desperate attacks and Confederate. Approximately 1,200 of these men, primarily
from Lee’s army on both July 2 and July 3. We will look at the Southerners, were buried at the site. This tour will highlight the
formation of these units and their path to Gettysburg, discussing history of hospital and how it operated, followed by a tour of the
the makeup of each regiment in the Philadelphia Brigade and their site with maps of the hospital layout. The afternoon tour is on
o cers. On the field in the afternoon, we will walk along Cemetery foot over 80 acres of the original footprint of Camp Letterman.
Ridge and put ourselves in the place of the Brigade as it defends The walk is easy to moderate.
the charge of Wright’s Georgians on July 2 and Longstreet’s Assault
on July 3.

18 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

Upcoming Programs

Registration Form

Name: _____________________________________________ Member #: __________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________
Guest(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Guest Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

☐ Encounters with History • July 18, 2020 • “Generals Killed at Gettysburg”
(9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., lunch provided)
______ number of members x $85.00 per member = _________
______ number of non-members x $110.00 per non-member = _________

☐ Encounters with History • September 26, 2020 • “From California to Philadelphia”
(9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., lunch provided)
______ number of members x $85.00 per member = _________
______ number of non-members x $110.00 per non-member = _________

☐ Encounters with History • October 24, 2020 • “Action Forward! Civil War Artillery at Gettysburg”
(9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., lunch provided)
______ number of members x $85.00 per member = _________
______ number of non-members x $110.00 per non-member = _________

☐ Encounters with History • December 5, 2020 • “ e Hospital Woods Today: Camp Letterman at Gettysburg”
(9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., lunch provided)
______ number of members x $85.00 per member = _________
______ number of non-members x $110.00 per non-member = _________

Additional Donation = _________
TOTAL = _________

PAYMENT INFORMATION:
☐ Enclosed is my check made payable to Gettysburg Foundation.
CHARGE TO: ☐ American Express ☐ Discover ☐ MasterCard ☐ Visa

Name on Card:_____________________________________ Card Number:________________________________________
Expiration Date:______ /______ Signature:__________________________________________________________________

Please return registration form to Friends of Gettysburg, P.O. Box 4629, Gettysburg, PA 17325 19
For more information, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 717-339-2148

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2

Fall Muster

October 2 and 3, 2020

HELD AT THE GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER

Friday, October 2, 2020 Saturday, October 3, 2020

Friday Evening Program: Monument Rehabilitation Program #1 Indoor AM: Lee and Meade at Gettysburg
with NPS Supervisor of Monument Preservation Through the Lens of Napoleon and Wellington at Waterloo
Lucas Flickinger with Licensed Battlefield Guide Eric Lindblade
Traveling around the Gettysburg Battlefield during the summer A general with a track record of victories launches an audacious
months, we have all seen NPS staff out and about, working on invasion with hopes of altering the fate of his country. A competent
one of the over 1,300 monuments or watched as they removed and dependable general is selected amid this turmoil to lead the
cannon from their positions to restore at the Cannon Carriage force that will attempt to stop this threat in its tracks. The armies
Shop. Sometimes, in the evenings, we just see a lone “cherry meet near a crossroads community of over 2,000 people. The
picker” on the side of the road and wonder about the process victorious general carefully selects a defensive position utilizing
of preserving a nearby monument. Every year the Gettysburg the ridges south of the town, and successfully withstood the attacks
Monument Preservation Division beautifully preserves and to the flanks and center of his lines. The result of this battle will
restores numerous monuments on the Battlefield, and it is not help shape the course of nations for the rest of the century. Today
an easy or quick process. Join us to hear more about the current regarded as one of the greatest battles of the 19th Century, the
projects and the amazing amount of skill and dedication of our maneuvers of the armies and the decisions of the commanders
NPS staff. The Friday evening program will begin at 7:00 p.m. are still studied and debated in great detail. But this is not the
in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Battle of Gettysburg in 1863; it is the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
Center. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. We will compare and contrast the backgrounds of the commanders
in these battles, and the similarities between two of the most
famous battles in history.

20 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

Fall Muster

Program #2 Indoor PM: “The drowsy lion must have Program #5 AM or PM: Gettysburg Shadows with
time to collect itself.” The Story of the Encampment in Licensed Battlefield Guide Ralph Siegel
Culpeper, VA – Winter, 1863/64 with Licensed Battlefield A tour not about a specific regiment, brigade or o cer but
Guide Chris Army about the sweeping command decisions made by Confederate
Culpeper, Virginia was the launching point of the Gettysburg commanders at the Battle of Gettysburg—with a new look and
Campaign in early June 1863. When Lee’s Army of Northern new perspective intended to shatter assumptions enshrined in
Virginia crossed back over the Potomac river after the defeat at the books we have all read. The concept of “Shadows” is drawn
Gettysburg, Lee chose this area once again to position his army. from the writings and tours of legendary Harper’s Ferry Chief
George Meade chose Culpeper for his army to camp as well, Historian Dennis Frye and his book, “Antietam Shadows.”
since the opportunity to bring Lee to battle was ever present. This tour takes Frye’s concepts, his appetite for challenging
This classroom program will explore why Culpeper was critical convention, and applies these “shadows” to Gettysburg.
to the battles in late 1863, the winter encampment of both armies
and the subsequent spring, 1864 campaign. Program #6 AM or PM: “Death seemed to be holding
a carnival”: Rhode Island at Gettysburg with Licensed
Program #3 AM or PM: East Cavalry Field: “A Surprise Battlefield Guide Rob Abbott
Upon the Enemy’s Rear” with Licensed Battlefield Guide Rhode Island is frequently marginalized in the larger Gettysburg
Jim Hessler narrative. We frequently drive past the 2nd RI in reserve on
Join us as we explore the often-neglected and frequently Munshower Hill and assume Rhode Island to be only minor
misunderstood July 3 clash on East Cavalry Field. The tour will participants. The Ocean State had an infantry regiment and
examine the roles (orders, strategy, and tactics) played by both five artillery batteries involved in the battle. Three of these five
J.E.B. Stuart and David M. Gregg’s commands in attacking and artillery batteries, Arnold, Brown, and Bucklyn were in the thick
defending the field. Was Stuart coordinating with Pickett’s Charge? of the heaviest fighting. As we dig a bit deeper, be prepared for
Why did Gregg insist on defending this position? What role did the profound impact that this small state’s leaders and men had
flamboyant Union General George Armstrong Custer really play? on the battle.
Does East Cavalry deserve more attention than an overlooked
side-show? The tour will consist of light-moderate walking over Program #7 AM or PM: “Splendid Courage”: Forgotten
open but occasionally uneven ground. Stories of the Union Cavalry During the Gettysburg
Campaign with Licensed Battlefield Guide Britt Isenberg
Program #4 AM or PM: The Work Was Hellish: Heroes are ubiquitous in the Gettysburg story, but some of those
Culp’s Hill July 3, 1863 with Licensed Battlefield Guide have faded over time. In that group are a few forgotten individuals
Charlie Fennell who unknowingly set the stage for Union victory with their efforts.
When people think of the fighting on July 3, 1863, at the Battle Union cavalry was finally equaling their foe in the summer of 1863
of Gettysburg, they invariably think only of Pickett’s Charge. and this tour will focus on some important, but often overlooked
There is a lot more to the fighting on July 3rd than the three hours personalities and several smaller skirmishes that left a distinctive
that was Pickett’s Charge. The fighting on July 3rd actually started impression, all in an effort to garner intelligence about the enemy.
at 4:30 a.m. and continued for seven hours. The fight for Culp’s
Hill on July 3rd represents some of the most intense fighting of the
battle and was the longest sustained major fighting at Gettysburg.
Remembering that Robert E. Lee’s original plan for July 3rd was
to simultaneously strike both ends of the Union line, the fighting
on Culp’s Hill was what Lee had intended. If the Confederates had
been successful on Culp’s Hill on July 3rd, Pickett’s Charge could
very likely had been Pickett’s pursuit of a defeated Union army.
This program will attempt to detail some of the most complex
fighting of the Battle of Gettysburg and determine its significance.

Please return registration form to Friends of Gettysburg, P.O. Box 4629, Gettysburg, PA 17325
For more information, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 717-339-2148

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 21

Fall Muster

Registration Form

Name: _____________________________________________ Member #: __________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________
Guest(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Guest Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

☐ Friday Evening Program _____ x $12.00 per person = ________

☐ Saturday Programs with Lunch _____ x $105.00 per member = ________
_____ x $130.00 per non-member = ________

AM Program (please check one)
☐ Program #1 Indoor: Lee and Meade at Gettysburg Through the Lens of Napoleon and Wellington
☐ Program #3: East Cavalry Field
☐ Program #4: The Work Was Hellish: Culp’s Hill July 3, 1863
☐ Program #5: Gettysburg Shadows
☐ Program #6: Rhode Island at Gettysburg
☐ Program #7: Forgotten Stories of the Union Cavalry

PM Program (please check one)
☐ Program #2 Indoor: The Story of the Encampment in Culpeper, VA – Winter, 1863/64
☐ Program #3: East Cavalry Field
☐ Program #4: The Work Was Hellish: Culp’s Hill July 3, 1863
☐ Program #5: Gettysburg Shadows
☐ Program #6: Rhode Island at Gettysburg
☐ Program #7: Forgotten Stories of the Union Cavalry

☐ Saturday Lunch for Guest Only _____ x $18.00 per person = ________

Additional Donation = ________
Total = ________

PAYMENT INFORMATION:

☐ Enclosed is my check made payable to Gettysburg Foundation.
CHARGE TO: ☐ American Express ☐ Discover ☐ MasterCard ☐ Visa
Name on Card:_____________________________________ Card Number:________________________________________
Expiration Date:______ /______ Signature:__________________________________________________________________

Please return registration form to Friends of Gettysburg, P.O. Box 4629, Gettysburg, PA 17325
For more information, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 717-339-2148

22 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

First Corps Event

AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST CORPS MEMBERS!

Friday, September 11, 2020 This area known as Neill Avenue or “Lost Avenue” is the
best-preserved place on the battlefield. A walk back in time.
Friends Reception at Gettysburg National Military Park The Avenue is surrounded by private property and not accessible
Museum & Visitor Center to the general public and the owner, historian, and First Corps
After several months of social distancing that has separated Member, Dean Shultz, has agreed to present this exclusive
us and cancelled several of our annual events, please join us program. A tour of this area has not been given to the Friends
for an evening celebration of coming together as Friends to since 1993 as the inaugural First Corps Event.
reminisce and catch up. A buffet dinner will be served in the
Saloon beginning at 7:00 p.m. and doors will open with a cash The Union Extreme Left Flank on July 3rd –
bar at 6:30 p.m. What if Longstreet had moved to the right?
Confederate General James Longstreet wrote about the morning
Saturday, September 12, 2020 of the third day at Gettysburg stating, “I had scouting parties out

The Union 6th Corps is often during the night in search of a
overlooked as “just the reserves” during way by which we might strike the
the Battle of Gettysburg. However, the enemy’s left and push it down
Corps itself was split in two on July 2nd, towards his centre. I found a
responsible for guarding both flanks way that gave some promise of
of the Union Army. Maj. General John results, and was about to move the
Sedgwick’s 6th Corps, on its arrival at command, when [Lee] rode over
Gettysburg the afternoon of July 2,1863, after sunrise and gave orders…
was deployed primarily as reserves over to assault the enemy’s left centre.”
the battlefield. By the morning of July 3, What if Longstreet had moved to
Brig. General Albion Howe’s 2nd the right, around the Round Tops?
Division of the 6th Corps was so What Union force was there and
divided that Col. Lewis Grant’s 2nd were they capable of stopping the
Brigade of Vermont troops protected Confederates? Who ordered them
the far left of the Union Army east there? Who was in command of
of the Round Tops while Brig, Gen this Union force and what did they
Thomas Neill’s 3rd Brigade skirmished do? Join Licensed Battlefield Guide
with Lee’s 2nd Virginians on Wolf Hill, Paul Bailey on a walk along the
the far right of the infantry of the Union
Army. This program will examine often rarely visited Howe
overlooked areas of the Gettysburg National Military Park and and Wright Avenues as
the part these two halves of the 6th Corps had to play in the we examine the extreme left
battle. First Corps attendees will be divided into two groups and flank of the Union line in search
will switch locations for the second portion of the day so that all of answers to these questions
members can fully enjoy both programs. This program includes and more.
a moderate to strenuous walking tour.
Following a day of
The Union Extreme Right Flank – Lost Avenue touring, join fellow First Corps members in the Refreshment
The far right of the infantry of the Army of the Potomac means Saloon after hours at the Gettysburg National Military Park
seeing one of the least visited and isolated places on the battlefield. Museum & Visitor Center for a private buffet dinner.

Please return registration form to Friends of Gettysburg, P.O. Box 4629, Gettysburg, PA 17325
For more information, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 717-339-2148

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 23

First Corps Event

Registration Form

Name: _____________________________________________ Member #: _________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________ Email: __________________________________________________________
Guest(s): ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Guest Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday Evening Program and Reception, and the _____ x $160.00 per member = _____
Saturday All-Day Program Including Lunch

Additional Donation = _____
Total = _____

PAYMENT INFORMATION:

☐ Enclosed is my check made payable to Gettysburg Foundation.
CHARGE TO: ☐ American Express ☐ Discover ☐ MasterCard ☐ Visa
Name on Card:_____________________________________ Card Number:________________________________________
Expiration Date:______ /______ Signature:__________________________________________________________________

Please return registration form to Friends of Gettysburg, P.O. Box 4629, Gettysburg, PA 17325
For more information, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 717-339-2148

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Friends events are subject to change.
Tours, lectures, and Musters will be dependent on evolving guidance

from the CDC and WHO in addition to our state government. Some events may
move to a digital format, or point-to-point tour style. We will keep you informed
as decisions evolve. Please contact Bethany at [email protected]

or 717-339-2148 with any questions. We appreciate your support and patience
as we navigate through this new territory. Thank you!

24 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

STEVE SIMSPartners make it Happen: s
By Barbara Finfrock

Steve Sims was born and raised in a small, high desert town
of Tehachapi, California. We are pleased that he and his family now
live in Pennsylvania, and he is the Superintendent of both national

parks here: Gettysburg National Military Park (GETT) and
Eisenhower National Historic Site (EISE).

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 25

“… create stability in the partnership with the Gettysburg

Foundation and the community, as well as with visitors worldwide.”

Mission is a word that Steve mentions often when he talks. Raising Last December the family
a family was the mission of Steve and his wife, leading to their made another visit, this
decision in 2002 to leave active military service and provide a time to the Eisenhower
stable home for growing children. He and his wife Melissa are both farm, where he jumped
graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and have two on the shuttle with the
children, a son in high school and a daughter at Temple University. rest of visiting tourists.
He rode the shuttle and
Following active military service, Steve put his civil engineering walked through the house,
degree to work as a consultant for an engineering consulting saw part of the grounds
firm specializing in construction management in the Washington, and the barn and got back
D.C. area. During that time the company managed a national on the shuttle—he would
construction management contract with the National Park Service like visitors to have the opportunity to spend more time there after
(NPS), providing Steve the opportunity to travel to many National that initial experience. Now that he is Superintendent of GETT
Park units across the country. Steve recollected NPS staff assigned and EISE, he lives in one of the battlefield houses and thinks it is
to those projects were very passionate about their jobs and their a good thing to look out over park property and imagine what
mission to protect, preserve, and educate about national treasures. troops saw and did in 1863.

After four and a half years of consulting work, Steve was offered He is also very aware, as a former military o cer himself, that
a job with the NPS as the Civil Engineer for the National Mall one of our nation’s most significant wartime leaders and later
and Memorial Parks. At the National Mall, Steve had the honor President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, chose
of working on significant projects involving sites such as the Gettysburg to be his home. Here comes that word, again, the
Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, mission to protect, preserve, and educate the public about the
DC War Memorial, WWII Memorial, MLK Memorial, etc. After significance of these two national parks at Gettysburg is something
a couple years, Steve shifted into a facility management career he is ready to enjoy and lead.
path which led to his relocation to Philadelphia as the Facility
Manager at Independence National Historical Park. After a few Although he currently has no specific vision for the parks,
years, he moved again to a regional o ce job as the Facility Steve sees the need “to create stability in the partnership with
Manager for the entire Northeast Region. the Gettysburg Foundation and the community, as well as with
visitors worldwide.” He intends to meet Friends of Gettysburg
Steve’s next opportunity moved him out of facilities and members at the musters and other events, and also to continue
construction and away from his civil engineering work. In 2016, his own education about the battle in 1863 and also Eisenhower’s
he served as the acting superintendent at Valley Forge National life here as a young soldier and as world leader.
Historical Park before being named superintendent. When the
positon at Gettysburg opened, it sounded “very interesting,” When Steve and his family are together, they enjoy being outside
said Steve. Unlike thousands of people, Steve had never been to and often hiking. During the current pandemic, Steve’s daughter
Gettysburg. He wanted to “get a sense of place” before deciding to started a family book club. In his alone time, he loves to read
apply for the open position. With his family, he made two trips to action and adventure books and history of all kinds and eras.
visit as a real tourist. They experienced the film, cyclorama, and He also pointed out that Eisenhower was the commander of
museum; they walked the battlefield. He said he has no one spot Camp Colt during the Spanish flu. Steve Sims is now at home
that decided for him, but he knew “this is where I should be.” in Gettysburg and has much to offer!

26 Volume 31, Issue 2 Preservation & Progress

Friends’

ootnotes

1. Our Heartfelt Thanks 3. Update on 4. Friends of
Little Round Top Gettysburg Calendars
On behalf of the membership Rehabilitation Project Are On the Way
team, thank you to all those who
donated event registrations to the After being put on hold for almost The 2021 Friends of Gettysburg
Gettysburg Fund or the Renovate two years, progress is underway Calendars are in the final creative
Rupp project. We appreciate your to rehabilitate this iconic battlefield stages and should arrive in your
generosity and look forward to site. Gettysburg National Military mailboxes in late August. We
welcoming you back home to Park was able to secure nearly appreciate your ongoing support
Gettysburg soon! $500,000 in federal funding to and hope you enjoy this Friends
kick off the extensive design work tradition. If you don’t receive
2. Welcome Baby Ezra for the project. The design process your calendar by September 30,
will take about another year to please contact our Friends
Friends Events Manager Bethany complete and along the way we’ll office at 717-339-2159 or
Yingling and her husband Mark determine when construction can [email protected].
welcomed their son, Ezra, on begin and if additional funds are
March 12. Everyone is happy and required. We will keep you apprised
healthy and we’re all excited to as the project progresses.
welcome our newest little Friend
of Gettysburg. “Thank you to all the
Friends who reached out during this
exciting time for our family” Bethany
stated. “We’re so excited for him
to meet everyone and explore the
battlefield with him soon!”

Answers to Issue 31-2

Where Am I What Do I See?

PHOTO 1 ANSWER – Jack
Hopkins, Gettysburg College
janitor, escaping slavery

PHOTO 2 ANSWER – Mary
Virginia “Jennie” Wade, her sister’s
house, baking bread

PHOTO 3 ANSWER – Camp
Colt, Dwight David Eisenhower,
Spanish flu

PHOTO 4 ANSWER – Michael
Crist, Henry Heth, Herr’s Ridge

CORRECTION – in Vol 31-1,
Photo 3 part of answer should
be Corps I, not III

Preservation & Progress Volume 31, Issue 2 27

P.O. Box 4629 Nonprot Org.
Gettysburg, PA 17325 U.S. Postage

PAID
Gettysburg
Foundation

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2020 November 21: Remembrance Day Illumination
December 5: Encounters with History – “The Hospital Woods Today:
July 1–3: Battle Anniversary – Join National Park Service Rangers, Camp Letterman at Gettysburg” with Sue Boardman
Licensed Battlefield Guides, and Historians for digital programming
and virtual hikes that will bring the Battle of Gettysburg to life. OCTOBER 2 & 3, 2020
This special series of programs will highlight the significant moments
and individuals who made history at Gettysburg, visiting locations FALL MUSTER
never before included on anniversary battle walks and hikes! Details
coming soon.

July 18: Encounters with History – “Generals Killed at Gettysburg”
with Joe Mieczkowski

September 11 & 12: First Corps Event

September 26: Encounters with History – “From California to
Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Brigade Defends Cemetery Ridge”
with Mary Turk-Meena

October 2 & 3: Fall Muster

October 24: Encounters with History – “Civil War Field Artillery
at Gettysburg” with David Donahue

A full list of upcoming events is available on the Events Calendar at www.gettysburgfoundation.org.
Please note: All programs are subject to change without notice.