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  • Lessons in History – A Glorious Fate: The Life and Legacy of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw

    The National Civil War Museum 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA, United States

    Lessons in History with Kevin M. Levin A Glorious Fate: The Life and Legacy of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw Saturday, October 17, 2026 11:00 AM–12:00 PM The National Civil War Museum Robert Gould Shaw is best remembered as the heroic young colonel who led the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment—one of the first Black regiments organized in the North during the Civil War—in its famous and ill-fated assault on Confederate Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863. His sacrifice has been commemorated through monuments, books, and the award-winning film Glory. But who was Robert Gould Shaw before he became a Civil War legend? Join acclaimed historian and author Kevin M. Levin for a fascinating presentation based on his new book, A Glorious Fate: The Life and Legacy of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the first biography of Shaw in a quarter century. Levin takes us beyond the familiar story to explore Shaw's transformation from a privileged and rebellious young man who showed little interest in his parents' abolitionist ideals into an officer confronting the realities of war, race, emancipation, and command. Through Shaw's experiences, Levin also brings renewed attention to the African American soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts—the men whose courage, service, and […]

  • Community Free Day Honoring Veterans

    The National Civil War Museum 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA, United States

    Community Free Day Honoring Veterans Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM The National Civil War Museum proudly invites the community to a free day of admission in honor of our nation’s veterans. Join us as we recognize the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform—past and present. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Museum’s galleries, reflecting on the stories of courage, conflict, and commitment that have shaped our nation. Special activities and programming are to be announced. Admission is free for all visitors during this special Community Free Day.

  • “Soldier of the South: Fighting Dick Anderson” Lessons in History

    The National Civil War Museum 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA, United States

    Lessons in History: “Soldier of the South: Fighting Dick Anderson” Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PMLocation: Education Gallery, First FloorAdmission is Free ~ Book signing to follow Join The National Civil War Museum for a Lessons in History presentation on Soldier of the South: Fighting Dick Anderson, the first scholarly cradle-to-grave treatment of Confederate General Richard “Dick” Anderson’s life. Based on the January 2026 release, this program will explore Anderson’s formative years, his Civil War service, and his role as an important division and corps commander in Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Often overshadowed by more famous contemporaries, Anderson was regarded by Robert E. Lee as a steady and dependable officer—“My brave old general.” This presentation offers a fresh look at Anderson’s successes, failures, and legacy, bringing renewed attention to a soldier whose service and significance have often been overlooked. Admission: This program is free to attend. Regular admission applies for access to the Museum galleries. About the author: Dr. Edward J. Hagerty studied with eminent military historian Russell F. Weigley at Temple University and received the Ph.D. in History in 1993.  He was appointed soon after as the first director of the Civil War Studies Program at […]

  • In-Person Lessons in History with Wayne E. Motts, NCWM CEO

    The National Civil War Museum 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA, United States

    In-Person Lessons in History with Wayne E. Motts, NCWM CEO ~ “Foreign Fighters at Gettysburg: Soldiers of Fortune in the Civil War’s Most Recognized Fight” Saturday, December 5, 2026 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Education Gallery, First Floor Admission is Free. Did you know that at least two soldiers fighting in the Battle of Gettysburg were members of the Pope’s papal guard? Some men were filibusters in Nicaragua, at least one served in Egypt, and others were professional soldiers from Europe who traveled to the United States to fight in the American Civil War. Join the museum’s CEO, Wayne Motts, as he highlights the fascinating careers and lives of just some of these men who served both in the Union and Confederate armies in the Battle for Gettysburg. This program is free to attend. Regular Museum admission applies for those wishing to tour the Museum galleries.   About the author: Wayne E. Motts is the CEO of the National Civil War Museum. He has been a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park for 38 years and is the author or co-author of two books related to the American Civil War and Gettysburg.