Volume_29_Issue_3

6 Volume 29, Issue 3 Preservation & Progress Great Conversations at Gettysburg Debuts Great Conversations at Gettysburg is a newly launched series of educational programs that are held onsite and draw from various themes related to Gettysburg. The inaugural event held this June was a book and idea festival that welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors and 18 presenters. The event kicked off Friday evening, June 29, with Dr. Edward L. Ayers, Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities and President Emeritus, University of Richmond and Ms. Christy S. Coleman, CEO, American Civil War Museum, Richmond who led a conversation about the role of museums and the history community. They both credited Gettysburg as a pivotal place for interpretation and education about the Civil War. Ms. Coleman especially credited a visit here with igniting her interest in the Civil War. The conversations continued into Saturday with an impressive lineup of speakers and topics ranging from preserving Little Round Top and Gettysburg’s underground railroad, to sex and the Civil War, and Gettysburg rebels. Future events will engage citizens in Great Conversations on related topics, such as preservation and sustainability, civility and democracy, and literature and creativity. The overarching goal is to host thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive conversations about issues that matter to different groups of visitors. Gettysburg Foundation Participates In The Big History Project (BHP) The Gettysburg Foundation participated in the Big History Project (BHP), bringing Gettysburg’s powerful lessons of civility, inclusion, and healing to thousands of middle-school and high-school teachers around the world. BHP is co-founded by Bill Gates and Dr. David Christian and “is a joint effort between teachers, scholars, scientists, and their supporters. It is a multi-disciplinary approach to knowledge for learners around the world. In addition to developing a full curriculum for high school students, this course is designed for curious members of the public who are seeking answers to big questions about the history of our Universe and the origin of our species.” Gettysburg Foundation president, Dr. Matthew Moen, authored a blog for Big History entitled: “Bloodshed at Gettysburg: Why Does Civility Matter, Anyway?” (See page 10.) It focused on what occurred immediately after the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, as local citizens began to care for the wounded, and outlines the broad pattern of healing that occurred over the next 155 years at Gettysburg. The blog was released to BHP teachers on July 20 and several members of the Gettysburg Foundation participated in a three-day Online Exchange where teachers had the opportunity to interact, ask questions, and learn more about Gettysburg’s broader narrative. Angelina Kreger, Big History Project Outreach Coordinator, was pleased with the success of the Exchange stating, “We learned a lot and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the correlations between a profound moment in U.S. History and Big History .” Dr. Scott Hancock speaks to a packed room during Great Conversations. Ms. Christy Coleman and Dr. Ed Ayers kick off the Great Conversations Event with a thought-provoking discussion about the role of modern museums.