Great Conversations at Gettysburg Returned to Rupp House History Center
June 29, 2019
The Gettysburg Foundation hosted Great Conversations at Gettysburg, its signature series of historic talks, chats and presentations at the Rupp House History Center, Saturday, June 29. The Rupp House History Center is located at 451 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg.
Sponsored by the Foundation and Gettysburg College, Great Conversations at Gettysburg featured an all-day festival of thought-provoking discussions and hidden history inspired by the stories and lessons of Gettysburg.
“Great Conversations is our vehicle for educating the public on topics such as civility, preservation and creativity, and democracy and sustainability,” said Gettysburg Foundation President Matthew C. Moen, Ph.D. “This Great Conversations was an exciting day that touched upon many of these themes.”
The Great Conversations lineup included renowned authors, historians and media personalities. Presenters included Gettysburg College professor of history Michael Birkner, Ph.D. on President James Buchanan (9 a.m.); author Ronald D. Kirkwood on the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital (10 a.m.); National Civil War Museum CEO Wayne Motts on Lewis Armistead and Winfield Hancock’s friendship (11 a.m.); author Cory Pfarr on Longstreet at Gettysburg (2 p.m.); Gettysburg National Military Park Cultural Resource Program Manager Winona Peterson on caring for the National Parks (3 p.m.); and podcast hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey of “What You Missed in History Class” on the women of Gettysburg (4 p.m.).
The event also featured book signings by local authors including Sue Boardman (“The Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama”), Linda Clark (Gettysburg civilian experience series), Jan Croon (editor, “The War Outside My Window”), Brad Gottfried (“The Maps of Gettysburg”), Connie Hansen (“Biscuits and Bullets: a Gettysburg Story”), Jim Hessler (“Sickles at Gettysburg”) and Tom McMillan (“Gettysburg Rebels: Five Native Sons Who Came Home to Fight as Confederate Soldiers”).