Brett Kelley, curator of collections at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, is known for bringing historical realism to his depictions of life in the Civil War era. He is just back from a grueling fundraising trek he entitled, "In Their Footsteps: On the March to Pennsylvania." From May 16 to May 31, Kelley marched as a Confederate soldier from Fredericksburg, Virginia to Harrisburg, PA.
He traced the route that General Richard Ewell's 2nd Corps took into Pennsylvania after the Battle of Chancellorsville. Brett wrote in his blog before the trip, "Ewell took over command of the 2nd Corps after General Jackson was mortally wounded. His corps took the lead of the invasion into Pennsylvania and almost reached Harrisburg before being recalled by Lee to Gettysburg.
"During the initiative, I will endure marching an average of 16 miles a day over all terrain, sleeping under the stars, wearing a wool uniform in the warmth of late May, while carrying a pack and rifle weighing approximately 60 pounds."
Kelley, as you may recall, endured great hardship and deprivation – including a blizzard! -- in February 2010 as he recreated on the museum grounds life as a Union solder walking the picket line and encamping in a log cabin. "Just like my 2010 initiative, I will not use any 21st century technology and eat only the rations that a Confederate private would have had available during the Civil War," Kelley promised before the trip.
Kelley survived the trek with blisters, swollen feet and a uniform that literally is falling off his body. The money he raised on the march will go directly to the Civil War Museum's education department. We'll talk with Kelley about what he learned on his remarkable voyage.
Also joining us tonight is John Seitter, project manager of Pennsylvania Civil War 150 – the official planning group for the 150th Anniversary commemoration of the state's involvement in the war. It's a statewide partnership involving the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Pennsylvania Heritage Society, the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania based in Philadelphia.
Seitter and his team have developed an impressive website that offers a comprehensive view of Pennsylvania's role in the Civil War. It can help you plan a family vacation or visit to any of the historical sites and events around the state. And forget the hullaballoo surrounding Sarah Palin's "One Nation" bus tour: These guys offer a truckload of experiences.
"The Pennsylvania Civil War 150 Road Show is a traveling exhibition housed in an expandable 53-foot tractor-trailer created for Pennsylvania residents and visitors of all ages. From 2011 to 2014, it will travel throughout the Commonwealth (making stops in all 67 counties) bringing its interactive exhibits to each host location. Visitors will also experience related programs and performances under a Civil War-era tent," the website explains.
In addition to the website and Road Show, the committee will develop K-12 Civil War education materials, publications and special media initiatives, as well as sell commemorative products, and digitize historical collections.
As organizers make clear, every corner of Pennsylvania was touched by the events of the Civil War. We'll take your questions at 1-800-729-7532, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or post a comment to facebook.
