UPDATE 6/8: Today I had the privilege of assisting with a tour for Congressman Rob Wittman on behalf of the National Civil War Life Foundation. Our host group consisted of Terry Thomann, Director of the Civil War Life Soldier’s Museum; Col. Horace McCaskill, Chairman of the National Civil War Life Foundation (w/ me as Vice Chair); Bill Vakos III, President of W.J. Vakos Management Company; Jerry Logan of the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors; Rachel DeLooze, the Tourism Coordinator for Spotsylvania County; and two members of Congressman Wittman’s staff.

After a special tour of the current museum location and collection, a brief presentation was given on the NCWLF’s vision to construct an all-inclusive Civil War Museum that intentionally caters to no niches. We then drove out to the site location at the Courthouse Village development near the Spotsy Court House. The congressman was impressed with a coalition of preservationists and developers coming together to create a mutually beneficial community plan. He also applauded our museum’s dedication to showcasing personal stories that visitors can actually relate to instead of the same-old historical exhibits and interpretations.

All in all I believe it was a very successful day and we look forward to the Congressman Wittman’s assistance with obtaining the necessary grant proposals. (Due to press release issues I am only able to post photos that I took on my blog. I’m not in them.)

Bill Vakos III outlines the Courthouse Village plan on site.

The NCWLF presents Congressman Wittman with
a wet-plate photograph taken at Massaponax Church.

Today is the official unveiling of Mort Künstler’s newest painting “The Autograph Seekers of Bel Air.” I’ve written about Mort several times in the press, but this time I got to write for him. This print represents my first commission from Mort Künstler Inc., in which I penned the copy for the Certificate of Authenticity, promotional brochure, magazine advertisement and dealer selling point paper. It’s a real thrill for me as 12 years ago I stood in line for 2 hours just to shake Mort's hand.

This morning I received an email from a visitor who wrote, “Hey where’s the new Naked Historian?” I appreciate the interest very much and all I have to say is patience… my son graduates from Massaponax High School on Friday and I have 35+ people coming to the house this weekend. I’m a little busy.

This one-of-a-kind affair is an educational event brought to life by living historians from across the country. Civil War personas (both military and political) discuss the events of the war brought to life through their first person portrayals. Issues discussed during this two and a half day event range from the battle tactics used, to the causes of the war, and the occasional heated discussion concerning the legality of secession based on the Constitution. The Gathering of Eagles is hosted by Lee’s Lieutenants and held at the Old Court House Museum and Godfrey House in Winchester, VA. I have been fortunate enough to participate in this event since 2006 and I also designed its brochures and t-shirts.

The GOE’s three-day schedule includes: a presidential debate where Lincoln & Davis discuss the issues, ladies period fashion show and tea, know the flag program, a mock congressional hearing on the conduct of the war, “Meet the Generals” program with 20+ Union and Confederate commanders, a period wedding and church service, dramatic one-man show of “Soldiers in Gray,” as well as presentations by Mathew Brady and CSA naval officers. Virtually every major general on both sides will be represented along with period musicians, authors, and civilian re-enactors. Don't miss this opportunity to attend an event that is unlike any other.

This year I will be at home in Fredericksburg celebrating my oldest son's high school graduation, but I look forward to returning for the 2010 GOE.

Over the last two years I have received periodic requests for private tours of our area’s historical sites. I have had the pleasure of escorting members of Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church, Georgia-based film director Clint Ross and his wife, as well as the Warren Family from Salem, Va (*young Richard Warren and I pictured above at the Kirkland Monument). Following each tour I have received some wonderful compliments and feedback from my guests. I always spend time prepping in advance so I can offer something original and personal, based upon the visitor’s interests. Whether walking along the sunken road on the Fredericksburg field, or around the lawn of the “Stonewall” Jackson Shrine, I love sharing the stories behind these hallowed grounds. The Naked Historian allows me to present some sites via the 'net, but nothing beats visiting a location in person.

Now I am by no means a military historian, so I can’t (and don’t) speak about tactics. My tours are not staff rides. They offer more human-interest stories, about individual people or events that visitor’s can relate to. For example, I won’t outline the Army of Northern Virginia’s effective use of artillery placements on Marye's Heights (I am not qualified), but I will tell you about one of those rebel artillerists and quote his own accounts. I’ll also be the first to say that no one would ever top our local NPS professionals as we have one of the best staffs in the country, (I mean what could I ever say that would top John Hennessy, Russ Smith, Eric Mink, Greg Mertz, Don Pfanz and the rest of those guys/gals?) As a result, I always encourage my visitor’s to go to the museums and take the official tours. This gives them the National Park Service's overview and then I accentuate their experience. I have covered the Fredericksburg Battlefield, National Cemetery, Old Town's historic churches, "Stonewall" Jackson Shrine and trips to the F'burg Visitor's Center and Civil War Life Museum.

Our friend Eric Wittenberg is renowned for his battlefield tours and I now understand why he enjoys giving them. The more tours I do, the more I like doing them. My entire retirement plan is to become a volunteer guide at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello someday and I hope I’ll get the opportunity beforehand to lead tours at the “Stonewall” Jackson Shrine, which is just a 5 min. drive from my house. That of course will be several years into the future when our nest is finally empty. For now, I'll be offering my services independently to the public. If you are interested in having a special tour of the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania area, I am taking appointments for both Christian and secular based tours. Fees are dependant on the tour length, locations, and attendees.

Please email for a quote.

Endorsements:

"It has been said that a poet is someone who can put into words what another feels but can't quite express. Michael is a poet of history, and his appreciation of it is contagious. He captured for us a glimpse of the past and gave us the cherished gift of never forgetting." - Clint & Lizzie Ross

"On our second trip to Fredericksburg, Michael gave us a tour that engaged the children and left all of us with an entirely different perspective than we received on our first trip. He was quite knowledgeble and witty. I would love to take him along on all of our Civil War adventures. It was quite a day!" - Kathleen Warren