James Hessler's Gettysburg History: Books, Travel, Podcasts, Speaking

A noteworthy “Tombstone Tale” from Wayne Motts - American Civil War Page at the National Civil War Museum. Radical Republican Benjamin Wade served as chairman for the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War. It was this committee that took testimony on a wide range of military matters, but might be best remembered for the testimony for and against George Meade following Gettysburg. (Just please don’t call them “The Meade Hearings.”) Take a couple minutes to watch this video with Wayne and meet one of the key political players of the Civil War era.

Watch now and follow along with The National Civil War Museum: https://youtu.be/VWHieKR7bcY

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Our friends at the Distant Drums Podcast have started to release their Little Big Horn series. I joined them to discuss the OG connections between Gettysburg and Little Big Horn and bridge the gap between the Civil War to 1876. How many men fought in America’s two most studied battles? Check it out and thanks to Andrew for having me on!

From Gettysburg to Little Bighorn: Connections between Two Infamous Battles The Distant Drums Podcast · Episode

Not too late - but almost - to still register for Gettysburg College’s Civil War Institute! In keeping with my theme of June being “The Summer of George [Custer]” for Little Bighorn 150, I am thrilled that CWI is allowing me to present a day-long “Custer in History and Memory” on June 15. I will trace Custer from Gettysburg, through Little Bighorn, to his current perception in American culture.

2026 Civil War Institute Summer Conference - Gettysburg College Be sure to inquire about our numerous discounts for military veterans, Gettysburg College alums, members of local partnering institutions, current K-12 educators, full-time students, public historians, youths, and “new attendee recruiters!”

Little Bighorn enthusiasts will want to check out these Distant Drums episodes during the month of June. I am the guest in one episode, as is Phil Spaugy and other friends of ours.

If you’re a listener of the Distant Drums Podcast, you’re in for a treat. Throughout the entire month of June, we’ll be dedicating the show to the Battle of Little Bighorn.

With it being the 150th Anniversary, we will be releasing 3 brand-new episodes each week, featuring special guests who are familiar faces in the Little Bighorn field, and covering a wide range of topics surrounding the battle and its history.

You can listen to the Distant Drums Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Getting ready for Little Bighorn 150 with some of the 3800+ pics on my phone. These date to July 2024. I will be giving one tour and one talk for the LBHA conference in June, but I also have a number of LBH-themed talks scattered throughout the year.

It’s Touring Tuesday! Our pal, National Civil War Museum CEO Wayne Motts, had me back on the museum’s YouTube channel for a special Peach Orchard tour. Check it out on this rainy Tuesday (in PA) and like & subscribe to the National Civil War Museum!

www.youtube.com

This past weekend was perfect Gettysburg weather as we welcomed filmmaker Soren Sorensen and camera operator J. Rossi to Gettysburg to begin filming a documentary project that we are participating in. The topic? I can’t imagine what it is, but as this was day one on rolling the cameras, stay tuned for a couple years to find out. (Since “permit?” was the first question from every single person we encountered, you can rest easy and assured knowing that all appropriate pre-approvals occurred with the NPS. We do not break rules here.)

Today May 17 is the 150th anniversary of the 7th Cavalry’s departure from Fort Abraham Lincoln to begin their part in the ill-fated Little Big Horn campaign. Besides GA Custer, several other Civil War and Gettysburg veterans were along, and some lost their lives. Check out our recent Battle of Gettysburg podcast episode recorded with friends at “Fort Abe” to note the opening of this historic campaign.

Following Custer's Trail from Fort Abraham Lincoln to Little Bighorn The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast plays another road game. This time, host Jim Hessler and friends are at Fort Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota to explore the ...

July 1, 2026. 10:00am. Gettysburg History’s Beyond the Battle Museum. I am pleased and proud to participate once again in another Gettysburg History anniversary program: Fields of Fire II 🔥 Join Andrew Dalton, Phil Spaugy, and me as we kickoff what will be Gettysburg’s hottest 🔥 anniversary ticket. My topic will be the Forney farm, which will include Iverson’s charge, the pits, and a house that got demolished to accommodate the Peace Light Memorial. Don’t say you didn’t know about this one!

Drum roll please 🥁 our battle anniversary event lineup is here!

We'll walk in the shadow of wounded soldiers at the Weikert Farm field hospital, explore the site of Gettysburg's future Black History Museum, hear from a descendent of Basil Biggs, fire a Civil War cannon, and so much more!

We hope you'll join us as we commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in America's most historic small town.

Start planning your visit and reserve tickets: https://gettysburghistory.org/upcoming-programs-events/