Commonwealth Speakers:The Civil War Era


1863 draft laws were a primary cause of opposition throughout PA. From Deserter Country: Civil War Opposition in PA. Photo courtesy Library of Congress.

As the sesquicentennial of the Civil War approaches, it is appropriate that this category offers many different stories and perspectives on the era—ranging from a look at opposition to the Civil War, to black Civil War heroes, to the politics of freedom.

The 1863 Gettysburg Civilians P
While much is known about the Battle of Gettysburg, relatively little attention has been paid to the 2,400 civilians who were caught in the crossfire. They were mothers like Catherine Garlach, who sat in her basement armed with an ax. They were teenagers like Daniel Skelly, who climbed a tree to watch the battle and later saw Robert E. Lee ride down Middle Street on his way to a council of war. These people assisted Union soldiers, fed hungry rebels and protected their African American neighbors from capture. Dressed in Civil War-era garb, storyteller Patricia Anschuetz theatrically communicates the experiences of the 1863 Gettysburg civilians.

Equipment: no equipment needed.

Patricia Anschuetz, New Oxford
Professional Storyteller

Deserter Country: Civil War Opposition in Pennsylvania L
This lecture explores the widespread and sometimes violent opposition to the Civil War by people in the Appalachian lumber country of northern Pennsylvania. Many are unaware that this sparsely-settled region was home to divided communities that provided a safe haven for opponents of the war and deserters from the army, prompting federal officials to lead a military expedition in 1864. We examine the social, political and economic factors that explain the antiwar opposition, much of which stemmed from the difficulties of Appalachian life. Timely themes are highlighted including the meanings and traditions of dissent in wartime, the debate over loyalty to the nation, the impact of partisan politics and the difficulties faced by the state in enforcing unpopular laws.

Equipment: If possible, LCD projector and screen.

Robert Sandow, Bellefonte
History Associate Professor, Lock Haven University

John Brown and the Harpers Ferry Raid L
In October 1859, radical abolitionist John Brown led 21 men on a raid of the US armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. With this small biracial army Brown hoped to launch an insurrection that would end slavery. Within 36 hours federal troops subdued Brown. Brown's story raises challenging questions regarding slavery, violence and obedience to the law—questions that audiences are eager to discuss. Brown lived part of his life in northwestern Pennsylvania. He used Chambersburg as a pre-raid staging area. He attacked a government headed by the only president from Pennsylvania. All of this points to the Commonwealth's noteworthy role in John Brown's life and the Harpers Ferry incident.

Equipment: LCD projector (if projector is not MAC compatible, laptop also required). Microphone requested if space is large. If possible, podium and screen.

John Quist, Mechanicsburg
History/Philosophy Professor, Shippensburg University

Lincoln and the Widow Bixby F H L
In a scene in the 1998 movie Saving Private Ryan, General George Marshall reads a letter from President Lincoln written to a widow and mother of five sons killed in the Civil War. In the movie, the letter serves as inspiration to young soldiers preparing to risk their lives. But, while her story was immortalized in Stephen Spielberg's World War II saga, what do we know of the real Mrs. Bixby? How does a mother survive an experience like this? Whatever became of Lydia Bixby? And, what happened to Lincoln's letter—the most famous condolence letter ever written? Through the life of Lydia Bixby, audience members consider how ordinary women experienced the war and survived loss.

Equipment: LCD projector. Speaker will bring her own laptop.

Judith Giesberg, Havertown
History Assistant Professor, Villanova University

Nursing in a Civil War Field Hospital L
This interactive lecture depicts life in field hospitals as seen through the eyes of Anna Morris Holstein, a nurse and a matron during the Civil War. Smadar Shtuhl uses Holstein's viewpoint to demonstrate how gender and racial assumptions were compromised to answer the demands of a major conflict. While listening to excerpts from Holstein's diary, the audience is introduced to society's expectations of women in mid 19th-century America and to Holstein's personal struggles with male physicians. The audience also learns how whites like Holstein handled their racial attitudes towards black soldiers during this turbulent time.

Equipment: Podium. If possible, laptop computer (with PowerPoint® installed), screen, and microphone if large audience.

Smadar Shtuhl, King of Prussia
American History PhD Candidate, Temple University

Pennsylvania, Simon Cameron and Lincoln's Presidential Election L
This presentation tells the dramatic story of Simon Cameron, one of the most notorious politicians of his time. In order to win the party's nomination over 150 years ago, Lincoln's supporters had to promise Pennsylvania Senator Simon Cameron (who controlled the state's delegation) that he would become either Secretary of War or Secretary of the Treasury, even though Cameron's dishonesty was well known. We look at Cameron's rise and his turbulent relationship with the President as a member of his cabinet. We also discuss Cameron's resolute support for immediately freeing the slaves—which, along with his corruption, drew the ire of many.

Equipment: No equipment needed.

William Pencak, University Park
History Professor, Penn State University-University Park

Saluting Camp William Penn L
In Saluting Camp William Penn, Donald Scott focuses on the moving stories of Pennsylvania's black warriors who served valiantly during the Civil War. Based northwest of Philadelphia, Camp William Penn had almost 11,000 black soldiers and several hundred white officers who fought in major battles of the war, tracked Abraham Lincoln's assassins and cornered Confederate Robert E. Lee. They were supported by a "dream team" of anti-slavery abolitionists including Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, William Still and Lucretia Mott. This presentation features rare photographs from Scott's collection and published work on the subject. Also highlighted are Civil War-era musical interludes and readings.

Equipment: If possible, podium and screen. Speaker will bring his own laptop and projector system.

Donald Scott, Elkins Park
Journalist. Assistant Professor, Community College of Philadelphia

Thaddeus Stevens: The Politics of Freedom L P
As a leading attorney, Congressman, operative on the Underground Railroad and co-author of two Amendments to the Constitution, Thaddeus Stevens worked for 50 years in Pennsylvania to champion the causes of freedom, equality and public education. How did he form his convictions? What insights can he provide on our own divisive politics? And why did Jubal Early want him dead? Actor and living history interpreter Steve Anderson uses research, classic American storytelling, excerpts from historical speeches and fiery discussion to shed new light on how a farm boy became one of the most influential men in 19th-century politics.

Equipment: No equipment needed.

Steven Anderson, Lemoyne
Living History Interpreter, Pennsylvania Past Players

Key to Presentations
F Family/Younger Audiences
H Hands-on/Active Participation
L Lectures
P Performances
Also See