"As a first-year attendee and teacher-scholarship recipient, I was most impressed by the combination of fellow instructors, learned scholars, and equally informed enthusiasts drawn to the Civil War Institute. Whether sitting in a formal lecture, sharing a lunch table, or touring the battlefields it seemed that I was always learning more and more about both the Civil War and how to better teach it to my students. Every conversation resulted in a new perspective, new course materials, or both. I have since stayed in contact with more than a few of the participants that I met in that week and have already made significant improvements to my own Civil War curriculum."

--Gary, teacher from Massachusetts

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"I thought CWI was an amazing place where history can come alive. I remember reading real battlefield letters at the exact location where they were written. The other students there were ready and willing to learn about our nation's history. I hope to return next year!"

--Henry, student from New Jersey

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"Going to CWI was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I learned more than I could have imagined in those 5 short days and it has made me want to learn even more about the Civil War now. Not only is it a wonderful place to listen to many great historians, it's also a place where you meet friends for life and where you make memories that will last a lifetime."

--Justin, student from Washington

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"I personally had a blast. Between the engaging speakers, the welcoming community, and the other scholarship students I always had something to do. This was not only a great academic experience which gave me a better and more in-depth view of some specific parts of the war and generally reengaged my interest in the Civil War as a whole, but was also a really good time. I had lots of fun getting to know the other scholarship students, as well as some of the other normal conferees."

--Zac, student from Vermont

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"I was glad that the CWI provided the resources and opportunities about the importance of engaging today's middle school students on the historical impact of the American Civil War. The CWI provided excellent presentations by Dr. Carmichael and [other experts] on how to engage the students when teaching the American Civil War. I recommend this CWI program to all social studies teachers who teach the American Civil War. Well done CWI!"

--John, teacher from Tennessee

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"From the moment Peter Carmichael greeted us and spoke of the "power of place", I knew that attending the Institute would provide incredible scholarship, fellowship, and unique access to America's premier battle site and Civil War landmark. The experience more than lived up to these expectations and my students and teacher peers will be the beneficiaries.  Thanks Again!"

--Kevin, teacher from Indiana

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"Attending the Civil War Institute was a very valuable experience for me. I got the chance to hear various and diverse insights into the Civil War from people who have studied and thought about it thoroughly, and I otherwise would probably have never gotten a chance to be exposed to insights such as these. It also gave me a chance to experience living in a college setting and to meet other people my age who share some of my interests."

--Emily, student from Pennsylvania

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"The Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College was an experience that I will never forget. After brain storming with other teachers and Civil War enthusiasts as well as listening to leading scholars and historians, I will bring a new enthusiasm, lesson plans and ideas to my students. One of my most memorable moments was sitting down during dinner with Ed Bearss and six other scholarship teachers after the Manassas Battlefield visit and talking history. The CWI was the best teacher workshop that I have ever attended in 25 years of teaching and far exceeded my expectations."

--David, teacher from Florida

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"This summer's Civil War Institute was an amazing opportunity for me.  Not only did I learn a great deal about the Civil War, from various points of view and on a diverse range of topics, but I met a lot of incredible people.  For the first time attendee scholarship recipients, like me, it was thrilling to find there were so many dedicated Civil War enthusiasts that were more than willing to share their passion for history with us newcomers, including the professors, who not only gave lectures, but involved students in conversations outside the classroom or lecture hall. The open and friendly atmosphere, combined with the academic setting, really made the week a learning experience I will never forget."

--Leigh Anne, student from New Jersey

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"The CWI was a fantastic experience for a teacher. Being surrounded by engaging experts greatly expanded my core content knowledge. I can't wait to bring this material back to both my colleagues and my students. The teacher to teacher workshop was one of the best professional experiences I have enjoyed after 14 years of teaching."

--Joe, teacher from New Jersey