Me: ...I am researching Confederate encampments in Spotsylvania County and the surrounding region. My friends at the National Park Service suggested that I query you in regards to obtaining copies of any information about registered sites, in the Spotsylvania/Fredericksburg region that were designated as Confedederate camps. It is my hope we can use this data to put together a general map of possible locations…

VA Dept. of Historical Resources: ...Thank you for your interest in Virginia's historic resources. Unfortunately, detailed information related to archaeological sites is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (1979). This information is only available to professional archaeologists or cultural resource management professionals...

Anyone out there a professional archaeologist or cultural resource management professional - whatever that means?

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.