Sacred Trust Lecture Series Speakers Share Perspectives on Battle Anniversary

Story and photography by Casey Saylor

A late June, extremely warm weekend offered the first of many presenters to speak at the annual Sacred Trust lecture series. Sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising and management partner for the National Park Service at Gettysburg, the free event continues this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 5, 6 and 7), with a range of speakers and topics featured from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Harold Holzer

With lecture titles such as, “Gettysburg in 4D” and “General Lee’s Army and the Declining Margin for Error,” the first group of lectures from June 29 and 30 attracted crowds. On Sunday, June 30, author Harold Holzer’s presentation titled “Lincoln and Freedom in Film and Fact: A Look at History and the Movies, Spielberg and the Civil War” was limited to standing room only.

Author Howard Coffin’s presentation on “The Vermont Assault on Pickett’s Charge” offered a vivid depiction of the role of Vermonters in the Battle of Gettysburg. With vivid details, sound effects and motions, Coffin used his talents as a storyteller to illustrate the history of leadership in the Vermont Brigade, along with their battle tactics and outcomes against the Confederate soldiers. Occasionally, Coffin would include quotes and conversations in his stories of the brigades, changing his voice to add local color to the story while keeping the interest of the audience.

In addition to lectures, multiple book signings were taking place inside the lobby of the Museum and Visitor Center. Just like Holzer and Coffin, many of the lecturers participating in the program have written books, so directly after their talk, they move into the lobby to sign and sell their books. 

Below are some highlights from this weekend’s series of speakers. For the complete schedule, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org.

Friday, July 5

• “Battlefields Are About Honor: Interpreting Slavery and Freedom at Gettysburg, 1863-2013” with Jennifer Murray: 1:30 p.m.
• “Gettysburg” with Ed Bearss: 2:30 p.m.
• “The Gettysburg Story: America’s Greatest Battle as You’ve Never Seen It Before” with Jake Boritt: 3:30 p.m.
• “The Gettysburg Address Reads Like American History” with Troy Harman: 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 6

• “1913 Grand Blue-Gray Reunion at Gettysburg” with Thomas Flagel: 10:30 a.m.
• “Civil War Filmmaking” with Ron Maxwell: 3:30 p.m.
• “The Best and Worst Generals at Gettysburg” with Bradley Gottfried: 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 7

• “Reunion and Commemoration with Sue Boardman”: 11:30 a.m.
• “Despair, Defeat, Redemption and Determination-The Army of the Potomac in 1863” with Scott Hartwig: 1:30 p.m.
• “A.P. Hill at Gettysburg” with Patrick Falci: 4:30 p.m.