Gettysburg

From July 1 to 3, 1863, North met South in the battle of Gettysburg in what was to prove one of the key turning points of the Civil War. This epic clash of arms saw nearly 50,000 casualties on both sides as the Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee desperately sought to break the Union lines, but to no avail. This new study of the battle is based on the views of those who took part. Using a collection of unpublished letters in the collection of the National Museum of the Civil War, Wayne Motts reveals the hopes and fears of those who fought in one of the greatest campaigns in American history. Their testimony, supported by historical images of the letter writers themselves coupled with modern images of the battlefield, bring the realities of the battle of Gettysburg vividly to life.

Born and raised in central Ohio, Wayne graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in military history in 1989. Moving to Gettysburg in 1990, Wayne earned a Masters Degree in American History from the Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania in 1994. He was one of the youngest persons ever to complete the licensing process to be a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Military Park. He has guided parties around the famous field for 25 years. He has spoken to a wide range of historical bodies and groups on topics related to the American Civil War including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. In addition to his speaking engagements, Wayne has published several pieces related to the American Civil War in a variety of publications. He is considered the leading authority in the nation on Southern General Lewis Addison Armistead of Pickett's Charge fame and has published the only biography of the general entitled, Trust in God and Fear Nothing: Lewis A. Armistead, CSA. For ten years he was the research historian for renowned Civil War Artist Dale Gallon of Gettysburg where he assisted in the historical research of 40 works of fine art. He was the Senior Research Historian for TravelBrains Corporation and in this capacity researched material to be included in a number of audio visual products related to the American Civil War. The products produced by his research have been endorsed by the History Channel and have won numerous awards. In 2002, he accepted the position of curator at the Cumberland County Historical Society where he managed a collection of 8,000 artifacts. In 2004, he assumed duties as the collections manager of the Adams County Historical Society in Gettysburg. In 2005, Wayne was named executive director of the Society. He led this organization from January 2005 until April 2012 and assisted the Society and Lutheran Theological Seminary it the rehabilitation of Schmucker Hall one of the country's most significant Civil War structures. In April 2012, he accepted the position of chief executive officer of the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Opened in 2001, the National Civil War Museum has over 65,000 square feet of total space with more than 21,000 square feet dedicated to exhibit and educational areas. It holds more than 24,000 historical items related to both sides of the conflict.