I just recently gave my second talk on the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry to a enthusiastic audience at the Orwigsburg Historical Society.
I think one of my favorite things about doing these presentations is telling these brave soldiers stories having relatives of those who served in the unit come up to me and sharing their own personal research of their family member. Or watching their faces light up when they learn something new about the experiences of their relative in the war.
The purpose of this project has always been to try to get the information out on these soldiers so that families can share their stories and their memories can live on for generations.
Its no secret that the generation of "History Lovers" is an older group, but I feel like family is the tie that binds us all. I would encourage you to learn the stories of your relatives and teach them to your children. Even if they weren't Veteran's, take your kids to where they lived, where they are buried, find out stories about them and try to share those with your kids.
Walking in their shoes, stepping on the same ground, breathing the same air makes the experience even more real. I feel that is the thing that is going to get/keep the younger generation interested in history.
I encourage you to contact/join your local historical society and go out and see some of these presentations they give.
Both the Hamburg and Orwigsburg society's have a treasure trove of artifacts books and pictures remembering the histories of their communities. If you need help with family heritage from your community reach out to them for help.
Orwigsburg Historical Society Facebook Page
Hamburg Historical Society Facebook Page
As always if your organization or group would like a presentation on regiments or general area civil war knowledge feel free to contact us at WITSCivilWar@gmail.com
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