On Wednesday, July 9, award-winning author Ron Kirkwood returns to the G.A.R. Hall to speak on his new book about the field hospital at the George Spangler Farm entitled “Tell Mother Not to Worry.” This free talk is part of Historic Gettysburg Adams County – HGAC’s 50th Anniversary Educational Speaker Series.
The talk will be held at the G.A.R. Hall, 53 E. Middle Street, Gettysburg. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the talk begins at 7 p.m. No reservations are needed, and the hall is handicapped accessible.
The Gettysburg Civil War Roundtable in May named “Tell Mother Not to Worry” as the recipient of its annual Distinguished Book award. In his previous book, “Too Much for Human Endurance,” Kirkwood argued that the George Spangler farm was the most important farm in the Battle of Gettysburg. His newest work continues the Spangler saga.
Kirkwood was a Gettysburg Foundation guide at the George Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital Site for more than a decade. Kirkwood retired after a 40-year career as an editor and writer in newspapers and magazines, including USA TODAY, where he edited national magazines for USA TODAY Sports and was National Football League editor for USA TODAY Sports Weekly. He also worked for newspapers in Baltimore, Harrisburg, York and Wilkes-Barre.
Historic Gettysburg Adams County will continue its year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary as an organization with a special series of speakers beginning in July. Other speakers will include Lincoln Cemetery Project Association President Jean Howard-Green on July 23; president of the Thaddeus Stevens Society Ross Hetrick on August 6; and writer, actor and director Bo Brinkmann, founder of the Gettysburg Film Commission, on August 20.
Hope to see you at the hall!
I’m looking forward to the program this evening. Too Much For Human Endurance was a fantastic read and I’m sure the new book will be as well. Al