It’s a Dirty Job and the U.S. Parks Department gets to do it. This is more of a public forum comment than a question, but any comments from people who are familiar with this, please chime in.
Mike, as genetically and inextricably linked to being a history fan, I felt the need to let you know this since you probably just plain don’t have the time to keep in the know of everything while hanging from a thread above the Palm Springs basin.
While planning a recent trip to “Central Pennsylvania” and, more specifically Gettysburg, I was saddened to find out that the Gettysburg Electric Map had its last showing April 13th. Read on McDirt: http://www.savetheelectricmap.com/index.html
As I deepened my research, what I found out was even more disturbing. There has been a smaller and quieter Civil War waging since the late 1990’s regarding the condition of the battlefield(s) and more importantly, how to update the entire ‘interpretation’ of the battle(s).
There’s much more reading available than I would ever have the time to wade through, but it’s interesting how the U.S. Parks Department has the power to oversee the entire battlefield project while not necessarily being the best advocates for the site. I didn’t care to delve any deeper so I can keep an open mind when I go to see for myself in a few weeks. I’ll let you know if it’s worse, the same or better (pictures to follow).
I would have thought that the History Channel would have been following this closely.
I have visited Gettysburg many times as well as Antitem and will be going to Williamsburgh, VA next month. I love visiting the historical battlegrounds and listening to the guides talk about these places. Devils Den was a powerful place to stand. I hope they don't change anything.
Lisa, "Weird"? Don't be over self critical. I liked your spoof and certainly won't put myself in front of the camera. Nicely done.
Now, based on your proclivities to firearms, have you had the chance to fire anything old? Like a 1863 Springfield or a flintlock of any kind? Williamsburg has daily demonstrations of firearms and artillery in the tourist season. Be prepared, it's always hot there in the summer.
Oh, and keep an eyeout for me for the pump station hatch on the grass in front of the much-hyped Governor's Mansion. Just follow your nose!
Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge did it for me.
I teach high school history, and the battle at Gettysburg is one of my favorite things to teach. Would be saddened by anything that might compromise the integrity or safety of the site. Am definitely wary of 'interpretation' issues regarding anything in history. Scary territory indeed.
Thanks, Spock, for alerting us. I hope the History Channel does follow this.
Even though I grew up in Virginia, I traveled by G'burg many, many times on my way to visiting my grandparents here in PA. And, now I have lived in this state for quite a long time. So, I am ashamed to admit I have never once visited Gettysburg! I know, shame on me.
But, I've been following the "reconstruction" of the site in the paper, and was fascinated with the lighted map, as you were. Please share your visit with us, after your return. Or, better yet, you can pick up me, Fleur and Shana on your way there! We'll even kick in for gas!
Liz
P.S. In my defense, I did visit Manassas on many occasions; and was suitably horrified when they wanted to turn it into a theme park/outlet center!
Beccasue, (Beccasue you care) The interpretation issues are a concern and sometimes an official presentation can be completely erroneous based on biased facts from the presenter. While in Springfield, Mo.,my parents harbored alot of resentment on how Mary Lincoln is presented through "Historic" tales. If you read about her in more detail, her purported "craziness" was greatly exaggerated. Lincoln, himself had many more problems than the public was allowed to know about.
Liz, Don't be ashamed. I've lived in New York all my life and only last year did I get to walk on the Brooklyn Bridge and I've only been to the Statue of Liberty twice!
The electric Map was aimed at people like me with a very short attention span and who require a simplistic explaination of what happend there.
I'm ashamed to say I didn't inhereit my fathers interest in the Civil War, but we did go to just about every battlefield in the country at one time or another. Manassas, to me, is a Stephen Stills album. Haven't been to that one. Harpers Ferry is very scenic and Appomattox Courthouse is intentionally difficult to find.
"Oh no, dear, it's just a little side trip. I have to swing by and pick up Fleur, Shana and Liz." That next loud thump is me being thrown out of the car.............. "But they said they'd pay for gas!"
Don't be ashamed. I've lived in New York all my life and only last year did I get to walk on the Brooklyn Bridge and I've only been to the Statue of Liberty twice!
Spock,
Have you been to Ellis Island? It is on my list of things to do, hopefully this summer.
Sometimes we take for granted the things that are right in front of us.
Now, based on your proclivities to firearms, have you had the chance to fire anything old? Like a 1863 Springfield or a flintlock of any kind? Williamsburg has daily demonstrations of firearms and artillery in the tourist season. Be prepared, it's always hot there in the summer.
Hello Spock,
As a matter of fact, I did shoot a black powder shotgun and hit the target at 100 yards! It was a civil war replica and was very neat (and very loud). The man teaching us was very good and nobody wanted to film whist we listened-)
I look forward to my trip and will travel to the Edgar Cayce Healing Center as well.
Pilgrim, Yes, I have been there the second time I was at the Statue of Liberty. Both pretty amazing. They have artifacts from just about every nationality and how they typically immigrated.
My relatives did not pass through Ellis Island though. During the height of immigration in the 1890's, Ellis Island was overloaded. The overflow of Immigrants, and my family, were diverted to what is called Castle Clinton at the very tip of Manhattan. When you go, that's where they sell the tickets to go to the Statue and Ellis Island. Castle Clinton can be seen in the movie Men in Black (the first) where Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones are sitting on a park bench right in front of it. It's brown and round!
Ellis Island closed in 1954 and was left to ruin for about 20 years.
Lisa, I know somewhere at the Gettysburg Museum they have rifles from some of the poor souls who's guns misfired. My Dad was able to get actual bullets back when they sold them in the early 60's. I believe the bullets from the south had two lines carved in them and the north had 3 lines. My Dad even has a bore cleaning bullet where there's a slot to tie a cleaning rag to it when fired. I would hate to get hit by any of these super-grain ammo! Like talons, you didn't stand a chance once you were hit.
I have been to many of the Civil War battlefields. We went to Gettysburg soon after seeing the movie and I had read the book My Michel Shirra (sp). Walking around on Little Round Top was really moving for me. You could really feel the terrile fight that went on there. I do remember the electric map and how helpful it was. It was just so erie walking on the same grounds where these things took place. I certainly hope they preserve them for all to experience.
I think it might be interesting for Mike and DJ to do a show at a battle reenactment. They could show how the soldiers lived and be in the mock battle. That must have been a dirty and very scary job.
I used to live in Philadelphia when I was younger and visited Gettysburg several times, since it was only 3 hours away. Our family purchased the "self-guided" cassette tape tour. We actually visited so often that my little brother and I were able to give the highlights of the tour as we drove through the town, including Devil's Den and "Little Round Top. Although I was still a kid, I really enjoyed visiting Gettysburg, even though I did not appreciate the full significance and historical value of the place until we were studying it at school, and at that point we were no longer living in PA. I do remember looking out at the battlefield and trying to imagine what it was like back in the Civil War. I would like to go back to Gettysburg now as an adult with my husband, who has never been and my son. I think it is important to visit these places of living history.
We also visited Valley Forge an awful lot, since it was only about 20 minutes away from our home. I didn't appreciate that fact until I was older,too. Funny how that works, huh?
Loretta, I can't imagine being told by Pickett that you are going to walk across an open field right at the Yankees cannons and musketfire, no questions asked.
I believe most of "soldiers" killed in the Civil War were below age 16 and some boys as young as 8 were infantry.
My great-grandfather was determined to enlist in the army during the Civil War. He wasn't of age, but tried three times to get in, and each time was sent back home.
He eventually successfully enlisted by changing the spelling of his name just a bit; or maybe it was just his persistence that led to the army accepting him.
At any rate, he worked his way up to captain, survived and came home, and married not once but twice, and fathered nine children!
Liz
P.S. Spock, I lived just outside Washington, D.C. for 23 years before I visited the White House for the first time; I had friends staying with me who wanted to see it!
The big "hoopla" around G-burg lately is the grand opening of the new Visitor's Center. I haven't had time to pay attention to the news, but I had no idea the Electric Map wasn't making the trek to the new digs. The newly restored Cyclorama painting seems to top the news, and that will open in another week or so, I believe.
Park Officials are happy that the new building is off "sacred ground," as they say, and is also just chock full of more artifacts, a film and a snack bar. Snack bar. Hmmm.
I have yet to see this splendid work for myself, but has been on my mind the last week or so. I hate to see G-burg go commercial, but at least most visitors are saying they do the Historic value justice.
Have you heard/read of John Latscher, who runs GNMP? I've worked with him, and trust me when I tell ya, that guy will keep it real with the NPS service. He doesn't take any cr@p. He'll keep it as authentic as he can.
Can't wait to hear of your adventures.
Don't forget to visit Eisenhower National Historic Site. It's one of my favorite stops, but not because I used to take care of the artifacts in the house. There's a lot of interesting tidbits some of the interpreters can tell you about.
Speaking of interpretation... well they "interpret" what they research. It's all up to individual "interpretation," isn't it? Ask around for different viewpoints. Better yet, visit the Farnsworth House in late afternoon when all the Tour Guides are drinking it up and arguing. It's priceless information!
Another place second to Valley Forge where I can actually "feel" the history.
I just read yesterday that the lighted map is going to it's new home in storage. Yeah it might be obsolete, but it's a part of history itself. I wish they would reconsider.
C'mon, Spock... those tire treads on your forehead are a fashion statement!
Fleur
P.S. I live about 15 minutes away and have yet to see the Liberty Bell. I have no defense!
Want a FANTASTIC read on the culture of the US Parks Department? I very highly recommend Bill Bryson's book, "A Walk in the Woods"...not only is it very enlightening, but one of the funniest books I have ever read...yup! That's right, you get 'ejecated' AND amused at the same time.
Shana, Actually, parts of these articles demonize John Latscher. As I read through, I get mixed signals about him and this is why I want to reserve judgment until I see things for myself. I’ve past the Eisenhower Historic site by the covered bridge many times, but never stopped in. We may have the time during this visit. Getting various viewpoints is always the best way to go.
Fleur, I agree. The Electric Map is history as well and should still be used. Maybe if there are enough public outcries, they’ll re-instate it. I’ve voiced my concerns, if it matters.
Jeremy, Resident Motherboard Heavy Equipment Dude……………… too kind...... This is one area where Indiana Jones and I are the same. I don’t know what I’m doing next. I’m just making it up as I go along! If I had any real knowledge I’d be dangerous. My brain is just packed with trivial information that spills out on the floor every once in a while. Like the dishes at this party, I promise to clean up.
By the way, the biggest piece of HE I’ve ever had the privilege to operate was a JD450 and that was to clean out clogged seepage beds.
Watch your fingers around those hydraulics and be careful using those 2½” sockets! Are you an advocate of steel tip/shank boots?
Diana, I’ll be looking for that. Sounds like light reading on the Parks Department of which I’m sure there is very little.
Taz, October is probably the best time to go. Great colors and no crowds. But if you want to see re-enactment, then July 2, 3 & 4 when it’s hot AND crowded! It is a powerful place. I now get the same feeling at Ground Zero.
