The Most Important Year

Last year, at the CWI conference in Gettysburg, I took part in a general question and answer panel, where the audience could pretty much ask anything they wanted. One of the questions was something along the lines of "What was the most important year of the Civil War." Fair enough - we all pondered the question and added our two cents - 1863 and 64 probably won the contest for reasons you can surely imagine. And then, our panel moderator, the ever-astute Peter Carmichael, pointed out the obvious that was right under our collective noses. 1865, the year the war ended, was clearly the most important to those who were fighting it. Pete made a good follow-up point: we historians tend to over-analyze things.

But in the spirit of over analysis - I ask you the same question. What was the most important year? You had better explain yourself, too.

K

Blogging "Civil War Blogging"

Over the weekend, C-Span aired a panel on Civil War blogging from the Civil War Institute summer conference last June. It featured myself, Brooks Simpson, and Kevin Levin. You can watch it HERE. I have noted more than once that I feel the Civil War Institute is doing some of the best work out there in terms of connecting academics with the public - it is always a honor to spend a week with such a fine assemblage of historians and enthusiastic participants.

Now that I have had a chance to think about it, there are a couple of points on which I would like to elaborate (both Brooks and Kevin have offered their reflections on the panel). I thought CWI director Peter Carmichael did a great job moderating the panel - and posed numerous questions giving each of the chance to to explain the nuances of engaging the public through a relatively new medium in comparison to what some might term the work of a traditional historian. To begin, as I noted during the discussion, blogging is in its infancy - and in terms of blogging as it relates to academic pursuits, even more so. As the medium develops, the questions will certainly change. Bloggers' methods will undoubtedly change as well. While our objectives will surely remain - to engage with the broader public in a meaningful way - how we go about doing this will take various courses depending on technological developments, the creation of new platforms, and any number of other things. At the end of the discussion,  National Park Service historian John J. Hennessy offered some very kind remarks for those of us on the skirmish lines of historical blogging. I thank you, sir.

There are clearly some issues that need sorting out when it comes to defining the academic blogger's role in the context of the profession of historian. One aspect of the dialogue that I found troubling was Pete's suggestion that we relegate some contributors to the virtual cornfield. Those who, sometimes under the cover of anonymity, offer a counter narrative of a dubious nature are seeking to exploit the ease at which individuals garner information from the Internet. Historian-bloggers, by engaging with this narrow, even reckless segment of the public, are thus complicit - we are giving them the space to carry out their aims and whether we like it or not, the implication is that we could be offering up the platform of credibility to those who really have no idea what they are talking about.

At Cosmic America, unless threatening or unnecessarily vulgar, the authors of all comments get their chance to speak their mind (this is the case on my related Facebook and Twitter pages as well). One of the stated purposes of this blog is to unlock the mysteries of historical memory. People's interpretations of the past, whether based on evidence or purely delusional, are the foundation of historical memory. In the 21st century, conversations on the blogosphere  are a vital part of that collective memory - what in years to come will certainly be some bright graduate student's dissertation topic. In answering Pete's question: are we gatekeepers? I would say no - we are facilitators. Regarding the credibility issue, that will sort itself out in time. I always ask people who make questionable claims to offer evidence. They never do.

K

 

Debating Emancipation

Last summer, at the Civil War Institute in Gettysburg, I participated on a number of panels concerning emancipation, blogging, Lincoln, and the war in 1862. C-Span was there, cameras at the ready - just in case anyone said anything interesting. This is a shot from the panel, Debating Emancipation, which included myself, Kevin Levin, Anne Marshall, Craig Symonds, and Glenn David Brasher. I really hope they air the blogging panel as well. I had a great time on that one.

You can watch the video HERE. It is a shade over one hour - so get comfortable.

K

Rebellion, Revolution (or Something Entirely Different)?

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Yesterday (as I am wont to do) I issued a call to those following my Twitter feed to provide Cosmic America with a question of the controversial variety. One that might stir some embers, so to speak.

I got a number of great responses, many of which dealt with cause, emancipation, even the state of the field. But my favorite came from none other than Pete Carmichael, the director of the Civil War Institute. "Was," he asked, "the Civil War a revolution?"

Now this could have meant a couple of things. One, he could have been referring to the revolutionary character of the war itself - were the great issues being decided on the battlefields the makings of a revolution of sorts? Two, he might have meant the questionably revolutionary nature of secession. I have a sneaking suspicion he was referring to the former (perhaps I should have asked) but details notwithstanding, he got me thinking about the latter.

So I will open the floor for discussion. Was secession and the formation of the Confederate States an act of revolution? Without question, plenty of the fire-eating types rang some revolutionary bells during the secession crisis - invoking the oratory of the revolutionary generation and demanding a separation from a tyrannical government many thought was poised to deny white southerners their rights as Americans. On the other hand, cooler heads thought twice about the rhetoric of revolution. After all, in their formulation the southern states claimed the legitimate connection to the founders. The north had gone astray. In this light, the Confederacy was not at all revolutionary but merely carrying on the American tradition under a new government.

What do you think?

Keith

Civil War Institute Conference 2012 - A Brief Debriefing

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Well - I braved yesterday's delayed flights in relatively good humor and arrived back home in Hollywood last night marking the official end of the Civil War Institute 2012 conference. From where I sit, fun was had by all - squeaky mattresses and "that" dorm smell notwithstanding.

This year the CWI offered a lineup of first-rate speakers and panelists. Clever folks one and all...the conversations over beers at the end of the day were scintillating to say the least.

The topic this year was the war in 1862. Emancipation naturally figured centrally. But we broached a number of other topics as well. The use of imagery of well known leaders and the dead at Antietam, campaign strategies, military executions, the lives of civilians during wartime, and border state identity crises found a home in the general conference narrative - a narrative that spanned the social, cultural, and political landscape of the Civil War broadly defined.

Approximately 350 attendees - all well informed Civil War enthusiasts, many of whom are (or were)  teachers - converged on Gettysburg with questions at the ready. As I stated at our last panel, I speak often to anyone who will listen about how important it is to be on board with the Web 2.0...how it is clearly the significant tool in terms of personal connections and the dissemination of information. We are currently living through a great educational paradigm shift in which Internet access instantaneously links academics with the public, accelerating the humanities in ways few could have imagined even ten years ago. But we need not lose sight of personal, face to face interaction. It might be the traditional (read: old) way of doing things...but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

I took quite a bit away from a week of engaging with the faculty and attendees at CWI this summer reminding me of just that and I have come to the conclusion that interaction should never be limited to one format. And thus, I suppose there will always be many ways to skin a cat (if any of my cats see this...fear not, you're safe).

Peace,

Keith

 

Ed Bearss at Fredericksburg

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Yesterday I spent the day touring the Fredericksburg battlefield with retired National Park Service chief historian, WWII Marine Corps veteran, and all-around fascinating speaker Ed Bearss. In this video segment, Mr. Bearss discusses some of the battle's opening actions - namely Union engineers constructing pontoon brdges across the Rappahannock River on December 11, 1862.

Mr. Bearss has a distinctive style and seems to possess unlimited enthusiasm and energy. Seriously - I could barely keep up with him...and he is almost 90. I you ever get the opportunity to tour a battlefield with him, jump on the chance - you won't regret it.

Peace,
Keith

Blogging the Civil War

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

In a few hours yours truly, along with fellow bloggers Brooks Simpson and Kevin Levin, will be part of a Civil War Institute panel on Civil War blogging. I am quite certain the questions will be first rate...and we are on our best games - there may even be a few moments worth noting. I plan on discussing the utility of blogging as a means to bridge the gulf between academics and an informed public, and how I have used blogging and social media of all kinds to further my research.

If you have any questions about blogging the Civil War - now is your last chance to ask. I will be sure to include them in the panel. And make sure to check out all the latest updates from the conference by following Twitter hashtag #cwi1862
And speaking of an informed public - the photo is a view of the 2012 CWI attendees - patiently waiting for a panel on Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Artillery Duel at Gettysburg

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

After a grueling day of travel (yesterday) I am now happily in Gettysburg.  The Civil War Institute conference is about to get under way....as a short precursor, I spent the morning with historians Peter Carmichael and Keith Bohannon going over some of the action on July 2nd. Here they are studiously engaging Confederate artillerist Edward Porter Alexander's account of Rebel gun emplacements facing the Peach Orchard.

Standing in the spot Alexander describes (as we did - near the modern day Mississippi monument) it becomes all too striking how close the Confederate and Union positions were. I'll let Alexander do the talking:

Hood, on McLaw's right, first moved out to cross the Emmitsburg Pike and attack Sickle's left flank in the rough ground in front of Round Top. Henry's battalion moved out with him, & they were both heavily opened on by the enemy's artillery, from the Peach Orchard & beyond. To help them out I immediately put in Cabell's whole 18 guns, as one battery, from teh edge of the woods about 700 yards from the Peach Orchard, & then, selecting 18 of my own 26, I put them in action at the nearest point, Warfield's House, where McLaws's line was within 500 yards of the Peach Orchard.

Rarely does one find an artillery duel of such close proximity - it is little wonder that each side sustained the casualties that they did. There will be more battlefield action and news from the conference coming up - be sure to follow Twiiter hashtag #cwi1862 to stay up to date.

Peace,
Keith

 

On to Gettysburg!

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

I am spending the day preparing my house for the catsitter and putting a few finishing touches on some presentations I'll be delivering in a few days - then its on to the Civil War Institute conference at Gettysburg College.

Like last year, I will be tweeting the whole thing: quotes, photos, and videos. So you can follow me on Twitter or just follow the hashtag #cwi1862 to keep up with all the goings on.

Also, since I will be surrounded by some of the top Civil War historians in the field, you might think of using Cosmic America to your advantage by sending questions along through yours truly. Who knows...maybe I can convince a few folks to make guest appearances on Office Hours. I can be very convincing you know...

So - the next post will be from the Keystone State - see you then,

Keith

Can Social Media Bridge the Gulf Between Academic Historians and the Public?

[caption id="attachment_2015" align="alignleft" width="236" caption="I may have a few ideas..."][/caption]

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Of course, I believe that the answer is yes. This summer, I will take part in a panel at the Civil War Institute's annual conference at Gettysburg College with fellow Civil War bloggers Kevin Levin, Brooks Simpson, and Mark Grimsley. The so-called "gulf" is one of the principal issues that I will be addressing.

Years ago, before the Internet opened the doors for real-time access to just about anyone anywhere in the world, the television historical documentary probably stood alone as the medium most likely to serve as the middle ground on which academic historians and an informed public might relate.

In 1996, historian Gary Gallagher, writing of Ken Burns's The Civil War, noted reactions among academics, who protested the absence of issues falling outside the field of military history (such as the home front, religion, or gender themes) and the public, who focused on the military and picked nits over missing campaigns and the prominence of the eastern theater of war. The two groups could not see eye-to-eye.

But Gallagher really went after academics. They, he argued, were "content to speak to one another in a language that [excluded] anyone outside the university community...a sense of "we know best" [permeated] much of their commentary about Burns." In short, scholars were put off by the public's fondness for battles, generals, and narrative integrity. They wanted "real history" as defined by scholars. One might assume then, that these scholars returned to their studies and continued to ignore the public. Perhaps they proceeded with their dense works laden with esoteric language that no one ever read. Who knows?

Has anything changed? Yes indeed. The advent of blogging and micro-blogging (i.e. Twitter) has extended the reach of those academics who are both ready to accept the literate public into their super-special club, and willing to embrace the tools that make it possible.

The limits of blogging are defined only by the limits of the blogger. Not all blogs are created equal. Academics who blog, and there are a number of first-rate bloggers, are successful precisely because of their openness, their consistency, their engagement with the commenting public (regardless of the comment) and of course, their historical content - often defined not by scholars...but by the public scholars seek to reach. Student-run blogs are also worthy of mention. 901 Stories from Gettysburg, for example, brings the voices of the battlefield to the public - all courtesy of the research of Gettysburg college students. The blog has its shortcomings (there is currently no forum open for discourse), but as it develops it is sure to become a wonderful platform for academics, students, and the public to exchange ideas.

Twitter is perhaps the most powerful, but alas, most misunderstood and misused tool. Many historians, historical institutions, and lay people alike miss opportunities to create and maintain informed conversations on historical matters (in 140 characters or less - believe me...it's possible) by ignoring this communication powerhouse. Granted, Twitter can be a number of things - a platform for self-indulgent narcissists with too much time on their hands, or, it can be a media dumping ground - harnessed by would-be marketers for free advertising. Both fail miserably to reach anyone. But with patience and attentiveness, Twitter can (and does) facilitate discourse between academic and academic, academic and the public, and the public with everyone.

In 2012, the University still is what it is (snicker). For now, exclusivity reigns triumphant, and many (but most certainly not all) of its scholars look condescendingly at a public who just doesn't know any better...all the while creating more of the same. But as things change - and they always do - some academics are extending their reach beyond the hallowed halls of academia, breaking traditions, coloring outside the lines, and (if you can believe it) functioning in the real world.

Which means the way we teach and learn history is changing too. Maybe it's time to add my Twitter handle and blog address to my vita. You know...I am not kidding about this.

Peace,

Keith

If Robert E. Lee had a Facebook Page

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Today, just for fun, let's see if the impossible can actually shed a little light on something. I mean...why not? I am home sick with a cold and it is pouring down rain outside.

This past summer, when I was attending the Civil War Institute 2011 conference in Gettysburg, historian Peter Carmichael wondered what Robert E. Lee's Facebook page would have looked like. After stating to the audience (correctly) that they probably were somewhat unfamiliar with the medium, he went on to discuss how on Facebook, you live your life for all the world to see - and that it is all about approval and affirmation.You make a statement...and people can "like" it.

Now - Lee understood that military policy needed the support of the Confederate populace. Without it, the efforts to secure independence would surely fail. So in this regard, a Facebook page would have been entirely helpful. "Should I invade Pennsylvania?" he could ask...and wait a minute or so to see how many of his friends clicked the little thumbs up button.

Of course, this is an utterly ridiculous proposition - but it does make one think about the connections between military policy and the homefront in a democratic republic. Lee understood that his army was the physical manifestation of the will of the Confederate people...and that so long as his army could continue the fight, his country's citizens could hold on to their dreams of independence.

Hey! Guess what. Lee actually does have a Facebook page (in case you were wondering, he has a Twitter account as well). I sent him a friend request - not because I support his efforts, but because I want to click the like button should he ever post anything about surrendering at Appomattox. He has not accepted just yet...maybe he thinks I am a Yankee spy.

Peace,

Keith

Civil War Institute Conference 2012

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

[caption id="attachment_1579" align="alignright" width="150" caption="I should have a new battlefield hat by 2012"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1577" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="The 2011 CWI crew - I hope to see some familiar faces in 2012! "][/caption]

Well, I have officially signed on to do the CWI Conference this coming June 2012. Just like last year, I will be keeping the world up to date with all the usual social media suspects - so stay tuned - it's almost like being there! In addition, this year I will be part of a panel on (what else?) Civil War blogging with Brooks Simpson and Kevin Levin - two first rate historians and expert bloggers. I'll also be leading some discussions concerning Gettysburg. You can bet that I will talk about the battlefield, reconciliation, and Civil War commemoration. Click the tab above for the whole schedule - you will see that I will be in some good company. This is one you will not want to miss - you can get registration information HERE.

Peace,

Keith

On the Way to Manassas

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Well, our invading force of 300 or so has boarded the busses and we are about to hit the road to the Mannasas battlefield. Ray Brown will in command of our unit, and the C-Span crew is attached. From what I understand, our invasion will air on July 24 on C-Span 3.

The last time I was on this particular field I got hopelessly lost...so I am looking forward to being led by someone who knows the lay of the land.

Assuming that Verizon doesn't fail me, I'll be reporting on the trip via my iPhone (i write this post with exactly that remarkable device).

And be sure to check all my social media links over the next few days. I'll be uploading more videos and pictures tonight and tomorrow. Yesterday's lectures were first rate - you'll want to check them out.

Peace,

Keith

Civil War Institute Conference Day Two

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Day two is officially in the books and we are just getting under way with day three.

In short - yesterday we heard a great deal on the goings on in 1861. Lincoln, mobilization, regular soldiers, and the Old Army were among the topics. The highlight of the day had to be Allen Guelzo's talk on Lincoln and the first year of the war.

As with all conferences such as these, there is always plenty of room for debate. In other words - don't believe everything you hear. The good news is, this is a very engaging group - on the parts of both the faculty and the participants. There have been some nice back and forth exchanges and some great conversations.

Today we are going to hear about some military actions - Balls Bluff and First Bull Run - I mean, after all...there was a war going on - we should hear a little about the battles!

On a side note - last night around ten or so, I walked out on to the Union line at the High Water Mark. It was nearly pitch black out and there was no one on the battlefield but yours truly. I hiked over to the Pennsylvania monument and hung out for a while until I heard a distant tour group (I assume....maybe they were ghosts) give three loud "huzzahs!" It was a most evocative moment indeed - and for a Civil War historian, the best kind of moment there is.

And then my phone started pinging...alerting me of messages. So as the twenty-first century invaded...I walked back to town and enjoyed a beer after a long day.

Hey Pete....if you are reading this - you see, I DO talk about myself (snicker).

Stay tuned friends - we hear from some first-rate historians today, including Joe Glatthaar and Gary Gallagher. I will provide the debriefing tomorrow.

Peace,

Keith

Civil War Institute Conference Day One is in the Books - Day Two Under Way

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Day two of the CWI conference is officially under way - this is jsut a quick post before I head to the next talk - this morning we heard from historian Jason Phillips on Civil War soldiers in 1861 and their prophetic imaginations - it turns out (according to Jason) that they didn't necessarily expect a short war after all...food for thought, anyway. But I am not sure I agree. At any rate, the topic is certainly worth further examination.

Last night, we heard from Peter Carmichael regarding the first year of the war. Pete's talk was among the most dynamic and engaging that I have ever heard - if you ever get a chance to hear him speak...by all means, take it! You can check out snippets from his discussion by going to my Youtube page - I will post segments from all the daily talks each night of the conference, so check back regularly. And of course, stay up to the minute by searching the #cwi150 hashtag on Twitter and following me on Facebook.

Peace,
Keith

Civil War Historians, Buffs, and Geeks Unite! The festivities begin in 3...2...1...

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

Things are just about to get under way. The first lecture is at 2PM EST: Leadership Issues in High Command at Gettysburg - featuring historian Chuck Teague. I will be there, iPhone and laptop at the ready updating as it goes. Be sure to catch the next lecture today at 7PM EST: The War in 1861 - featuring historian Peter Carmichael. For those of you on Twitter...keep an eye out for hashtag #cwi150. It will be almost like being here yourself...or at least a teaser to get you excited about signing up for next year.

So I am now well fortified with an overly indulgent breakfast from the Lincoln Diner (the unofficial Cosmic America HQ for the week) and I am ready to bring the Civil War Institute conference to you in real time. Enjoy!

The good news is - I have been given a reserved media table to set up shop. I will be blogging, tweeting and Facebooking as the events unfold. And if all goes well and Verizon does not fail me, there will be updates from the battlefield as well. Please feel free to weigh in on anything - I will be sure to forward your questions to whomever you direct them.

Peace,

Keith

Countdown to the Civil War Institute Conference

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

If you don't know already, between Jun 25th and July 1st, Gettysburg College and the Civil War Institute will be holding their annual conference. Yours truly will be on hand to provide up to the minute reports. Yes - I will be broadcasting on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and right here at Cosmic America. I might even try to pull off a few Ustream live broadcasts. We'll have to see how it goes.

At any rate, This year's theme - in the spirit of the start of the sesquicentennial - is "Mobilizing for War and the Battle of First Bull Run/Manassas."  There will be an all-star cast of participants including Peter Carmichael, Joseph Glatthaar, and Gary Gallagher as well as a host of others. I even hear there will be a battlefield tour with Wayne Motts somewhere in the mix. I have been on his tours before - it is worth the price of admission.

My mission: do what I do best...talk about the Civil War - and I will get to interview some of the biggest names in the field. Some of the topics I will be discussing include - the cultural relevance of the sesquicentennial, why the Civil War is so compelling to 21st century Americans, what the war accomplished and left unfinished - and why that has a bearing on Americans today, sectionalism then and now - have things really changed that much? And of course - social media as a teaching platform.

So if you have any questions for anyone (the schedule of events can be found here) just let me know. I will ask them for you. I'll keep you posted with updates as the date draws near!

Peace,

Keith

Civil War Institute 2011 Conference Schedule

[caption id="attachment_750" align="alignleft" width="238" caption="Peter S. Carmichael - Director of the Civil War Institute"][/caption]

Greetings Cosmic Americans!

You all know that this June, I will be traveling to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to attend the Civil War Institute’s Sesquicentennial Conference.  I have been invited to broadcast and report on (via Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Ustream, etc) all the goings on. That means live broadcasts, interviews, reviews, up to the minute commentary…you name it – Gratis from Cosmic America!

If you have yet to register - you can click HERE - also...poke around to find out more about the program. I have included the schedule of events below - just for fun :)

Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College
Sesquicentennial Conference
June 26-July 1, 2011
"Mobilizing for War and the Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run"

Open Schedule as a PDF
Sunday, June 26

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Registration in CUB Ballroom
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Early Bird Tour, Chuck Teague
5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Overview: The War in 1861, Peter Carmichael
8:15 p.m. Ice Cream Social

Monday, June 27

7:45 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 - 10:00 a.m. Prophecy Among Civil War Soldiers: A History of the Future, Jason
Phillips
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. The Lessons of War: Abraham Lincoln and the First Year of the War,
Allen Guelzo

11:15 - 11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. Group Photo, north steps of Pennsylvania Hall
12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Old Army Doctrine and the Practicalities of Waging War in 1861,
Wayne Wei-Siang Hsieh
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. The North Mobilizes for War, Tim Orr
3:30 - 3:45 p.m. Break
3:45 - 4:45 p.m. The South Mobilizes for War, Mary DeCredico
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Book Signings
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Panel: Turning Civilian Mobs into Professional Armies, Mary
DeCredico, Tim Orr, Wayne Wei-Sian Hsieh,and Jason Phillips

Tuesday, June 28

7:45 a.m. Breakfast
8:45 - 10:00 a.m. The Battle of Balls Bluff and the Committee on the Conduct of the War, Susannah Ural
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. The West Virginia Campaigns of 1861, A. Wilson Greene
11:15 - 11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Overview of First Manassas Campaign, Ethan Rafuse
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 - 2:45 p.m. The High Command after First Manassas, Joseph Glatthaar
2:45 - 3:00 p.m. Break
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Panel: Fighting for the Confederacy,Susannah Ural, JosephGlatthaar, A. Wilson Greene and Gary Gallagher
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Book Signings
5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:00 - 8:15 p.m. The Real Lost Cause: The Loyal States' War for Union, Gary Gallagher
8:15 p.m. Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, June 29

7:15 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m. Manassas tours depart campus (6 buses)

First Manassas Battlefield Tours
Guides: Ed Bearss, Ethan Rafuse, Joe Rizzo, Ray Brown, Harry Smeltzer, Jim Burgess, and Greg Wolf [Lunch and Dinner in Manassas]

OR

Gettysburg Program: Special Collections Tour with Director Karen Drickamer and Gettysburg Battlefield Tour with Jennifer Murray

Thursday, June 30

Gettysburg Guides: Scott Hartwig, Troy Harman, John Heiser, Wayne Motts,

Jennifer Murray, Greg Mertz,

and Tim Orr
7:15 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakout Session #1
9:00 - 9:10 a.m. Break
9:10 - 10:10 a.m. Breakout Session #2
10:10 - 10:20 a.m. Break
10:20 - 11:20 a.m. Breakout Session #3
11:20 - 11:30 a.m. Break
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Breakout Session #4
12:30 p.m. Lunch
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Tour Gettysburg Battlefield with Gettysburg Guides
6:30 p.m. Banquet/Raffle/Auction

Friday, July 1

7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. All participants check out of dorms

An all-star cast, right?? And if you can't make it, you can always check in with me! Hope to see you there (or here)!

Peace,
Keith