Over the course of several sweltering summer Saturdays, we welcomed a wide variety of speakers, all of whom explored American history from a plethora of perspectives. We can confidently confirm that installing a mini split AC unit into the non-period lecture space was the right choice, allowing our participants to escape the heat and deepen their historical knowledge. Similarly, it was many of our visitors’ first time in the newly updated room, where they marveled at the wallpaper and television installation.
Right before the summer solstice, fashion historian Emma Rowland joined us for a discussion on historical bodily trends and the relationship between fashion and figures. Pulling out some of her vintage bustles, crinolines, and corsets, Emma detailed the development in women’s fashion over the course of American history. Throughout her lecture, Emma argued how the past could be interpreted to appear more body positive than the present; there was a strong desire to achieve a specific look, regardless of how much padding or corseting it took. As long as one was able to achieve a slender waist contrasted with larger busts and hips, the body that sat beneath the garments was often irrelevant. Within the modern beauty standard, the body is highly relevant to one’s wardrobe & stylistic choices. Many factors contributed to this shift, some more positive than others, and it was fascinating to hear Emma trace the progression from fashion of the past to the present. Emma will be joining us for another lecture in October, focused on the relationship between clothing and conflict.
In July, we continued on with our summer lectures when we welcomed Tracey McIntire and Dr. Audrey Scanlan-Teller who highlight women who fought in both the Union and Confederate armies during the American Civil War. Both women have incredibly extensive histories within the interpretation space, with Audrey beginning in 2005, followed shortly thereafter by Tracey in 2008. In the present day, both are active interpretive volunteers at the Antietam National Battlefield, and they continue to expand their craft and knowledge through independent research. Recounting this information within the walls of what once stood as a Civil War hospital, Tracey and Audrey interpreted emotional and powerful narratives about the women in uniform while providing participants with a deep understanding of these female soldiers, the risks they undertook, and the paths they paved for future women in combat.
In August, we rounded out the summer with a double feature; on back to back weekends, we welcomed Brent Reidenbach and Dr. Richard Bell for their respective lectures.
Brent is a man of the military and a historian by craft, which led him to research specific individuals that fought in the Civil War – one of which was his ancestor. After joining us for Civil War Living History Day in May, Brent returned in August to present his research on Private James Luman and Martin Swick, both of whom died at the Grosvenor Branch Hospital right here on the property. Martin, Brent’s ancestor, was a member of the 126th Ohio Regiment until he was fatally wounded at Spotsylvania Courthouse before succumbing to his injuries at Grosvenor Branch less than a week later at 41 years old. Brent has since been able to gain possession of Martin’s bible, which he very likely had on him while at Lee-Fendall for treatment. The second individual, James Luman, served in the 122nd Ohio Infantry and ended up on the battlefield of Mine Run. At only 28, James suffered a gunshot wound to the face, and he was transported to Grosvenor Branch where he underwent a trephination performed by Dr. Edwin Bentley. While the procedure failed to save his life, the operation itself was a significant development for modern medicine. Today, James’ skull is on display at the National Museum of Health and Medicine, where it highlights the procedure.
Dr. Bell rounded out our series with a book talk on his most recent publication, The American Revolution & The Fate Of The World. Throughout his work, Dr. Bell expands the very localized war into an international phenomenon, which sent shockwaves around the entire globe. Rather than focusing on the domestic impact of the revolution, or even the aftermath in heavily involved countries, Dr. Bell travels all over the world exploring how civilization as a whole was forever changed by the colonies’ fight for independence. From economic implications to societal norms and cultural practices, Dr. Bell’s publication explores these very familiar events through a completely new perspective. If my description is vague yet enticing to you, it means I’ve been successful in conveying the message without giving too much away: Dr. Bell’s book is absolutely worth the read.