Author: Henry Booth

On Tuesday, class was mostly a scheduled debate between Professor Pinsker and Professor Mealy. They argued over whether the compromises of the Reconstruction era were necessary for democracy, especially since a lot of these compromises allowed racial prejudice to permeate around American society. It was good for the students to see because they will be participating in a debate of their own on Friday, so seeing two skilled debaters like Professor Pinsker and Professor Mealy is a good experience. After class, the students separated into their groups for more debate preparations. They got to reflect on the prior debate and take away some key lessons that they could apply to their debate.

Games were not just outside; some played cards for a lot of the night

After debate prep, the students got to hear from the Dickinson Admissions staff about how to structure their college essays and prepare for their interviews. The students were taught different writing techniques and interview strategies to stand out amongst their peers in the admissions process. Additionally, they also asked questions about the process as a whole to gain more knowledge about the process, especially since they have access to insiders and their knowledge.

Cailin playing soccer with her friends

Finally, students closed off the day with outdoor activities. They played football, and other games on the field outside the dorm, which was especially nice since the weather cooled off a little bit. Finally, we all went inside and went to bed somewhat early considering we were going on a field trip to Washington DC on Wednesday. More to come then!

Cooper gives an overview of the Gettysburg Campaign

On Saturday, the group went to Gettysburg National Military Park to learn about the Civil War battle there. We first stopped at the Eternal Peace Monument at the park’s north end. Here, Cooper Wingert, the tour leader, highlighted the events that preceded the battle. Cooper discussed the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania, the shelling of Carlisle, and the march onto Gettysburg from here. Afterwards, we made our way into the park towards McPherson Ridge where Cooper then detailed the first day of the battle. He described how the US forces may have lost their initial positioning but set themselves up for success later in the battle by fortifying the high ground south of the town.

Then, we made our way over to the Virginia Memorial, where we talked a bit about the Confederate army’s strategy and their relationships with both the enslaved people that they brought into Pennsylvania, and their harassment of Pennsylvania’s free-Black population in Chambersburg. Finally, Cooper and Professor Pinsker brought up the question as to how we should remember the monuments at Gettysburg, and whether monuments like the Virginia Memorial are too “glorifying” of the Confederate troops, who were ultimately fighting in the name of slavery.

The group at Little Round Top

Our next stop was at Little Round Top, where Cooper taught us about the second day of the battle. He explained how the Confederate strategy of flanking the US defenses was nearly successful, but because of the heroism of the US army’s southern flank, they were able to survive the Confederate attempts at taking the high ground. Additionally, the students also got to take plenty of pictures at the New York Monument, which gives a great view of the battlefield itself.

Then we made our way over to Cemetery Ridge, where we learned about the final day of the battle. Cooper described Pickett’s charge, the reasoning behind General Robert E. Lee’s gamble by ordering the charge, and the heroism of the US soldiers who fought off the Confederate charge. Cooper also described the aftermath of the battle, including the retreat back to Virginia, and President Lincoln’s reaction to General George Meade’s missed opportunity to beat Lee’s forces during the retreat. Professor Pinsker also gave a discussion about the Gettysburg address in the National Cemetery, which is where Lincoln gave his famous address when dedicating the site.

Our group with the statue of President Lincoln

After the tour, we went to the visitors’ center for lunch, saw the Gettysburg film, viewed the famous Cyclorama of the battle, and got to tour the museum and gift shop there. Some students (and Cooper and Sarah from our staff) even got to wear replica uniforms of the US troops and got to read up on more information at the museum (I did attempt to wear the uniform but failed miserably). Finally, we headed home after a long day where we had a relaxing night at the dorms.

Students posing at the Monument with Lenwood Sloan

When our students arrived at the State Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, our first stop was at a monument outside the building called “A Gathering at the Crossroads.” It was here that Lenwood Sloan, one of the men who helped to create the monument, described the process of how the monument was created, and highlighted four figures represented in the statue: William Howard Day, Thomas Morris Chester, Francis Ellen Watkins Harper, and Jacob T. Compton. This statue illustrates the reaction to the 15^th Amendment in 1870,  However, the monument also highlights the work to be done as women did not have suffrage at this moment, as highlighted by Francis Ellen Watkins Harper’s decision to hand the amendment back William Howard Day .

Students meeting with Representative Webster

Our students then got to meet with Pennsylvania State Representative Joe Webster of Montgomery County, where they heard first-hand about the governmental process and about the state of political discourse in state governments. Additionally, the students learned about lobbying from Jordyn Ney, who works for a lobbying firm when she is not working for the Knowledge for Freedom seminar.

Students at the Capitol with Representative Gleim

After the meeting with Rep. Webster, the group got to tour the building itself, seeing the House of Representatives, Senate, and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. We learned a lot about the artwork and the building’s history itself, which is especially interesting considering Pennsylvania has a beautiful capitol building. Additionally, the students also met State Representative Barbara Gleim from Cumberland County and got to take a photo with her on the main staircase. After the tour, we all drove back to Carlisle where we had dinner and a relaxing evening back at the dorms.

Students and staff at the dining hall for dinner

Students finally arrived at Dickinson for the Knowledge for Freedom seminar on Sunday. After unpacking their things, they met with our staff, where we (attempted) to set up the wifi connection, went over the rules, and walked to dinner at Dickinson’s cafeteria. After dinner, students and staff returned to the dorms and participated in icebreakers to get to know each other. Finally, students set off on their own to complete homework, hang out around campus, or a combination of both before the night was over.

Overall, a very fun day, which helped to get students ready for the first day of classes on Monday.