Great Conversations at Gettysburg

The Gettysburg Foundation is undertaking an innovative series of programs, bringing people together to discuss the great American democratic experiment. This series has its foundation in the stories of an epic battle in the history of North America; President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address—the most known and celebrated speech delivered by an American president; and President Eisenhower’s residence, reflecting his standing as a military hero, statesman and international diplomat. It is natural for Gettysburg to become a leading place in the nation for non-partisan, constructive dialogue about citizenship, leadership, conflict and conciliation in American democracy.

Great Conversations at Gettysburg is sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation, with support from the National Park Service.

Gettysburg Remains Significant to the American Democratic Dialogue: The Civil War was rooted in deeply held beliefs about the origins of government and social order. The bloodiest battle of the War was soon followed by the Gettysburg Address—the healing words of President Lincoln—who hoped democracy might be strengthened out of the bloodshed. Gettysburg stands as a principal place where thoughtful public conversations about political differences can give way to civility and reconciliation.

On June 29 and 30, 2018, join us for lectures and panels in the Museum and Visitor Center. Free and open to the public.

Friday, June 29, 2018, 7:00 p.m.:

What is the Role of Museums and the History Community?

Dr. Edward L. Ayers, Tucker-Boatwhite Professor of the Humanities and President Emeritus, University of Richmond

Ms. Christy Coleman is Chief Executive Officer, American Civil War Museum, Richmond

Saturday, June 30, 2018, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.:

AM Sessions

9:00: The Underground Railroad: Why There Was a Battle at Gettysburg

Dr. Scott Hancock, Gettysburg College, Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies

10:00: Was it Cowardly to Check the Advance of Lee’s Army?

Professor Jonathan A. Noyalas, Director, McCormick Civil War Institute, Shenandoah University

11:00: Sex and the Civil War: Soldiers, Pornography and the Making of American Morality

Dr. Judith Giesberg, Professor of History, Villanova University

Noon Panel Discussion: Little Round Top: Past, Present and Future - A Conversation with the National Park Service

Moderator: Christopher Gwinn, Chief of Interpretation and Education

Panelists: John Heiser, Historian, Division of Interpretation and Education; Daniel Welch, Park Ranger, Interpretation and Education; Winona Peterson, Cultural Resources Program Manager; Zachary Bolitho, Chief of Resource Management

PM Sessions

1:00: America’s Two Total Wars: The Civil War and WWII

Dr. Craig Symonds , Professor Emeritus at the U.S. Naval Academy & Distinguished Visiting Ernest J. King Professor of Maritime History, U.S. Naval War College

Professor Jared Frederick, Department of History, Penn State Altoona

2:00: Gettysburg Rebels: Five Native Sons Who Came Home to Fight as Confederate Soldiers

Mr. Tom McMillan, Vice-President of Communications, Pittsburg Penguins of the National Hockey League

3:00 Panel Discussion: The Whole World Was Watching: Gettysburg in Global Context

Moderator: Dr. Carol Reardon, George Winfree Professor of American History, Penn State

Panelists: Cecily Zander, PhD student; Mallory Huard, PhD student; Dr. Evan Rothera, recent PhD student

4:00: Let Us Not Shrink Now: James Garfield, Civil Rights, and the Legacy of the Civil War

Dr. Todd Arrington, Site Manager, James A. Garfield National Historic Site