I want to pass along information from friend, author, historian and Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide, Jim Hessler. Jim, along with fellow GLBG Chris Army, and historian Phil Spaugy have, for a couple of years, been running several tours a year. I believe these are generally run as car caravans, which helps to keep costs reasonable.

The most obvious reason for me to pass along the information is the Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville tour scheduled for June 23, 2024. Three historians, and maybe a fourth if Chris Army joins us, to answer your questions, and during the anniversary week of the fighting, no less. I’ll hope to meet some of you there.

But should any of you have an interest in visiting the Little Big Horn Battlefield, in Montana, Jim is the man to see the battlefield, as well as several other related sites, with. Do not miss the opportunity.

Should you wish more information on their complete schedule, pricing, etc., please contact Jim Hessler at custer7@comcast.net, his wife Michelle at michhess@comcast.net, or Phil Spaugy at pspaugy@aol.com. Do not respond to me or ask me any questions regarding the tours.

February 24: Seminary Ridge

Third annual Seminary Ridge Symposium. This year’s topic will be “After Gettysburg”. Seminary Ridge Museum will open registration after January 1.

April 13 – 14: Wilderness

Jim and Chris Army intend to lead a 1.5 day tour on the Wilderness. Similar to the tour that I did in Chancellorsville, we anticipate Saturday – ½ day Sunday and option to stay overnight in Fredericksburg area.

June 1: Leadership

Gettysburg Leadership Open Enrollment – more details soon.

June 29: ACHS Symposium

BoGP Summer Symposium at Adams County Historical Society. Topic: “Commanders and Controversies.” Details TBD.

August 1 – 5: Little Bighorn

The most commonly asked question I receive every year is, “Are you going to Little Bighorn?? I want to go!”  As communicated previously, I agreed to try this year’s tour through Woodbury Historical Tours as I thought it might be a good way to make some new connections.

Woodbury’s info link is here:

Little Bighorn – WOODBURY HISTORICAL TOURS (whtours.org)

November 10: N-SSA

Annual N-SSA Fall Shoot. Back by popular demand!!

1. So far, 22 people have expressed interest in April’s Wilderness tour. Still some room available. We will send registration and hotel details soon.
2. The Little Bighorn tour remains my annual most commonly requested tour. As I am working through Woodbury this year, he is looking to fill up at least a van and we are well on the way to doing that if not already. Thanks to several of you!
3. Registration is now open and online at Seminary Ridge Museum for the February 24 event.
4. NEW Tour added: Sunday June 23, 2024, for the cavalry fights at Aldie – Middleburg- Upperville with esteemed cavalry historian Bob O’Neill. Join us to understand the cavalry fights that opened the Gettysburg campaign with THE guy to do it. This will be a one-day tour (no hotels or overnights needed). Will send more details on this one soon; for now, save the date if interested and send me a ‘yes’ if you are. This will be a great way to kick off the Gettysburg anniversary activities.