The Civil War in 1863

Every summer for the last thirty years, the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College has hosted a summer conference where public audiences and leading historians come together for small group discussions, battlefield tours, panel debates, and presentations. All sessions, lodging, and meals are held on the 200 acre college campus. 

In keeping with the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, in 2013 we will be exploring the war in 1863, with a particular focus on the Gettysburg Campaign.  Some of the topics will include: 

 
• Lee & Confederate Generalship in the Gettysburg Campaign
• The War in the West
• Decisive Moments of July 1 & July 2
• Cowardice at Gettysburg
• The Richmond Bread Riots
• The Civil War Soldier Experience in 1863

 

The CWI conference is noted for offering fresh perspectives and new angles on the Civil War as part of an exciting and engaging dialogue between experts and general audiences. Experts in the field and our faculty for 2013 include:

• Gary Gallagher
• Allen Guelzo
• Scott Hartwig
• Caroline Janney
• Peter Carmichael
• Richard Sommers
• Carol Reardon & many others!

 

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Registration

 

Registration is now open for the 2013 conference. Attendees may choose to attend full-time or part- time: 
    * Full-time attendees participate in lectures (Friday-Sunday) and tours (Monday and Tuesday). 
    * Part-time attendees attend the lecture portion of the conference only (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Battlefield tours and lodging are not available for part-time attendees.

You may register online using a credit card, or print and mail a registration form with a check enclosed. There is a $100.00 non-refundable deposit required upon registration, and full payment of the balance is due by March 15, 2013. 

REGISTER NOW

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Breakout Sessions

 

Breakout sessions afford participants a more intimate learning environment where experts discuss a topic of their choice within a classroom setting.  The format encourages a more informal conversation with experts.  Topics vary and participants will be able to choose one of the three breakout sessions.  The other two sessions will be randomly assigned.

Breakout Sessions for this summer include:

• Women on the Northern Homefront
• Riots and Rebels: Political Upheaval on the Southern Home Front
• Little Round Top in American Popular Culture
• Slave Impressment and the Fear of Starvation in Virginia and North Carolina
• Separating Myth from Reality in the Battle of McPherson's Woods
• The Gettysburg Address and the Back of an Envelope
• German-American Soldiers in the Army of the Potomac 
• And many more!  

 

 

 

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Battlefield Tours

 

Experts lead participants to some the most evocative and important historic landscapes related to the Civil War.  Experts incorporate Civil War letters and diaries  as well as modern maps and historic photographs to enrich the experience. Tours usually involve extensive walking but some trips are largely done by bus.

The menu of tour options is extraordinarily varied to meet the different interests and knowledge levels of the participants.  On Monday, conference participants will venture to the Gettysburg battlefield to examine aspects of the Gettysburg Campaign, including Little Round Top, Lee and Meade at Gettysburg, Lee's Retreat, and the role of JEB Stuart. On Tuesday, conference participants will follow in the footsteps of an individual soldier at Gettysburg, tracing his experience during the battle.

There will also be a special Saturday evening walk of Pickett's Charge with Scott Hartwig, Carol Reardon, John Heiser, Troy Harman, Jennifer Murray, and Jeffry Wert!

 

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Book of the 2013 CWI Conference

'Gettysburg: A Journey in Time' by William Frassanito will serve as the 2013 conference book. An examination of the Gettysburg battlefield through photography, the book will be featured as the topic of a conference panel discussion on Monday evening.

 

 

 

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Book Signings

The speakers will make themselves available throughout the week for autographing books, and there are two scheduled book signings during the conference. Bring your personal copies with you to the conference, or purchase the books on-site through the Gettysburg College Bookstore!  

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Gettysburg College Book Store

The GCBS has a wide variety of Civil War books available for purchase.  They are conveniently located within the meeting room for your convenience.  You may also purchase books in advance of the conference by visiting their website.

 

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Lodging

Participants may choose to stay on-campus in the Gettysburg College dorms during the conference. There are a variety of dorm options to choose from and each option includes a shared bathroom with an adjoining room. The college provides linens and towels, but participants need to bring their own amenities (washcloth, soap, shampoo, etc.).  If off-campus lodging is preferred, participants can register by selecting the "tuition only" option.

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Meals

All meals are served in the college dining hall, which can accommodate most dietary needs.  

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Continuing Educational Units

The Civil War Institute will provide a letter of certification for educators interested in acquiring Continuing Educational Units for their participation in the seminar.  Approximately 38 hours are spent attending lectures, panel discussions, and battlefield tours.

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Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences with a strong academic tradition. Alumni include Rhodes Scholars, a Nobel laureate, and other distinguished scholars. The college enrolls 2,600 undergraduate students and is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. Gettysburg College complies with ADA guidelines.