2010 Teacher of the Year

From the Educators

June 2010
Dear Civil War Educator and Preservationist,

As we wind down from our recent annual conference in Kentucky (as well as the announcement of our teacher of the year) we start winding up for our annual Teacher Institute to be held July 16-18 in Hagerstown, MD, with a focus on the Battle of Gettysburg. As you can imagine Gettysburg is a very popular topic and so therefore it gives us great joy to announce that this year's institute is full to capacity! For those of you who have not registered take heed, we have set-up a waiting list, as there are often cancellations.

As summer approaches in full force, we hope you are making plans to visit battlefields with family or friends. There is a never ending supply of battlefields, sites, museums and activities across the country so I hope you'll get out and enjoy. Perhaps your experience will even inspire an award-winning essay or photograph in one of our contests!

We are working hard to support your efforts in teaching the Civil War both inside the classroom and out. See below for information on our improved “document based questions” and look out in the coming months for announcements about our new curriculum project as well as a daily web-based “Civil War Bucket List.”

As I enter my third month of full-time CWPT employment, I find myself particularly struck by three things, all of which make the history-related work of CWPT's Education Department so satisfying:

1. The work is exceedingly important and fun
2. The work could very easily require several lifetimes and still not be complete
3. The work is enthusiastically supported by the CWPT staff and the literally thousands of teachers, volunteers, partners and enthusiasts who, like me, just can't seem to experience enough of the Civil War and the outdoor classroom.

Thanks to you all for making my job exist.

-Garry Adelman, Director of History and Education

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2010 Essay Contest Winners

The winners are in! 2010's Take Action: Save Civil War Battlefields Essay Contest was a huge success thanks to all of the students who sent in their passionate essays on battlefield preservation.

Read the Essays »

 

New Document Based Questions

New document based questions are being developed for our online primary source documents. Written documents, political cartoons, and photographs are all included. Check out our first documents.

View the DBQs »

 

Brandy Station

At dawn June 9, the Union cavalry corps under Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton launched a surprise attack on Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry at Brandy Station.

Learn More »

 

Book of the Month

Chasing Lincoln's Killer
By James L. Swanson

James L. Swanson author of the best selling novel, Manhunt, has adapted the story for a young adult audience in Chasing Lincoln's Killer.

It's April, 1865 in Washington, DC, and you are in the midst of it. Swanson transports the reader to the center of the emotionally charged city which has just experienced the re-election of President Lincoln and Gen. Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Follow John Wilkes Booth, his co-conspirators, President Lincoln, Secretary Stanton, and the American people in the greatest American drama to ever unfold.

Buy the Book »

 

Trivia from the Archives

A) On June 15, 1862 this general writes to his father during the Siege at Vicksburg explaining his good fortune.

B) On June 28, 1862 this general was appointed to command the Army of the Potomac, just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg.

Answers from the Archives »