Chambersburg Seminars Resume May 7-8
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — The Chambersburg Civil War Seminars that have raised more than $125,000 for battlefield preservation since their inception in 1989 resume May 7-8. The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce will host three Civil War seminars focusing on commanders and battles. Registration is open for the first seminar, “Meade and the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg.” The seminar will include a bus tour with historian Ed Bearss, which covers the Union defense of the high ground – Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill, Cemetery Ridge and Little Round Top and period dinner. Temple University educator Andy Waskie will provide a first-person portrayal of Gen. George Meade, commander of the Union Army at Gettysburg, whom he has been portraying since 1986. Waskie said he discovered long ago that people became more interested in history when he presented a first-person account. He has spoken to hundreds of organizations and colleges, including the Smithsonian and West Point. According to Waskie, Meade’s best decision at Gettysburg was “to stay and fight it out.” Bearss and others will lead the July 21-24 “From Cedar Mountain to Antietam” in-depth look at events in Virginia and Maryland leading to the Battle of Antietam. This seminar includes two days of bus tours covering Cedar Mountain, with special access to many sites on private property not open to the public, Second Manassas and South Mountain. Also, talks, panel discussions and a preservation auction. Bearss again will be part of the Sept. 24-26 “Lee: An Examination of One of America’s Great Commanders” weekend devoted to the life and military career of Robert E. Lee. It includes a bus tour, “In the Footsteps of Lee and His Lieutenants,” panel discussions and talks. Historian Ted Alexander coordinates the seminars. The Franklin County Visitors Bureau has provided funding and promotional support. For more information contact Cindy Baker at (717) 264-7101 or go to www.chambersburgcivilwarseminars.org.
|
