REMEMBERING PETER CARMICHAEL

By Leon Reed · Originally published November-December 2024 · pp. 6–7

Remembering Peter S. Carmichael, PhD

M By Leon Reed

any different communities—his neighbors on Tiffany Ln., the Gettysburg area, present and former constituents of Gettysburg College, and the broad community of Civil War scholars, students, and enthusiasts were shocked and saddened at the untimely death of Peter Carmichael. Carmichael, 58, was perhaps best known as the longtime director of the College’s Civil War Institute, a weeklong, intensive conference held each summer that combined intensive battlefield studies with academic presentations and panels. A researcher, writer, and mentor, Carmichael was Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Era Studies at the College for 14 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and his doctorate from Penn State University in 1996. He held positions at Western Carolina University, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and West Virginia University before coming to Gettysburg College in 2010. Carmichael wrote several books and is perhaps best known for The War for the Common Soldier. Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano notified the college community of his passing: “Pete’s impact on this community and in the community of Civil War scholars has been immeasurable,” wrote Iuliano. “He has helped us to see the Civil War through a broader and more nuanced lens and, along the way, guided legions of Gettysburg College students into the field of public history.” Whether in a classroom, a conference lectern, or tromping around a battlefield, Carmichael was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Civil War, his unlimited energy, and his spellbinding abilities as a storyteller. Reactions were swift. Publisher Ted Savas shared an affectionate memory from perhaps Carmichael’s favorite activity: spending time with friends, exploring a battlefield. “Like everyone, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Carmichael. I first met Peter three decades ago on the Cold Harbor battlefield, walking it with Bobby Krick. Peter knew me from Civil War Regiments and the early days of publishing with Savas Woodbury. He was anxious to make a good impression. Pete had on a red baseball cap, and it started to rain. The dye from the cap washed down his face in red rivulets he kept pushing away, thinking it was plain water. His good friend Bobby finally pointed out that his entire face was red—much to Peter’s embarrassment. We all had a good laugh, and every time I met Peter thereafter, or we chatted on the phone, he would bring up that silly event that

Peter S. Carmichael (Feb. 23, 1966 – July 21, 2024)

made us all chuckle on one of the hallowed pieces of American soil. He asked me to draft maps for his first book, a fine biography on Willie Pegram. It was my pleasure to do so. I recall reading the manuscript thinking this guy has a future, and he sure did. It was simply much shorter than anyone could have imagined. When Pete ran UNC press, he would send titles my way that were not a good fit there, and vice versa. He did a great job for the press during challenging times. I know (because he told me) that he wished they could have done more battle material during his tenure and they “ceded that high ground,” or words to that effect, to Savas Beatie. I chided him on that now and again, and as always he took it in good form. Peter was a scholar in every way and an outstanding teacher and mentor to his students and many others. He contributed to the literature, and he will be missed.”

Longtime Park Ranger and neighbor John Heiser also shared memories going back decades. “I first met Pete in the 1990s and quickly discovered that we shared a close tie to our alma mater, Western Carolina University, where we were both mentored by the same advisor, Dr. Max Williams. Pete was a direct reflection of Dr. Williams, an educator who inspired his students and displayed a genuine enthusiasm to see us succeed in the field of history. I witnessed Pete’s ability to care for students and staff with a dedication to sustaining the interest and structure necessary to understand our past and how it relates to the present. He did not waver when the subject was a controversial one and spoke with a purpose not to judge but understand and evaluate each case. Gettysburg College was fortunate to have had him as long as they did, and there was so much more he wanted to do. Sadly, his voice may be silenced, but his contribution to Civil War history and those he touched will live on as long as we remember the fine man he was.” Author Eric Wittenberg. “Peter Carmichael was one of those individuals whom we meet along the way who always had a smile on his face and who always looked like a fellow who was trying to help his students learn. He was a good guy, and one who always made every effort to spread the good things around. He will be missed.” Author Brad Gottfried “Pete Carmichael added so much to the entire Civil War community. His vitality, intellect, and sincere interest in Gettysburg will be sorely missed. We all mourn his untimely passing.” Several people stressed Carmichael’s commitment to nurturing young talent. Author James Hessler remembered that: “Pete was always willing to assist up-and-coming historians, whether getting them involved in CWI activities or just taking them to lunch to discuss other projects. (He did both with me and I appreciated it.)” Similarly, Adams County Historical Society executive director Andrew Dalton recalled the support he received:

“It’s hard to believe we’ve lost such a passionate leader in this community. Pete had a profound impact on Gettysburg and will be missed dearly by his many friends and colleagues. Since I was a student in high school, he has supported my work and career in history. I will be forever grateful for his generosity and friendship.” Many colleagues remembered with a smile. Ranger Matt Atkinson: “Pete had great hair and a million-dollar smile and charisma in buckets. He had what some people call “it.” When alone, his humor shone through, Pete would get a twinkle in his eye, and with that Million Dollar smile, throw that great hair back and tell a story of yesteryear, before kids and a mortgage. A scrupulous researcher, Pete’s energy for the Civil War was boundless. Through the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College, Pete gave many opportunities to countless fellow scholars and students to promote a book or make a presentation while fulfilling to his lifelong mission to educate the public.” Harold Holzer is perhaps best known in Gettysburg for his longtime leadership of the Lincoln Forum, perhaps the only Civil War conference equaling or exceeding the Institute’s elite status. Holzer spoke of the profound loss the community has suffered: “I’ve known Peter for decades—from his earliest days as a budding Civil War scholar—and always found him to be a wonderful combination of writer, researcher, thinker, teacher, and public historian, all talents he practiced at the very highest levels. The wonderful thing is that he made such a powerful impact, with his talent, energy, charisma, enthusiasm, and that rare combination of humor and seriousness. The deep sadness, of course, is that his was a gift that should have kept giving for many, many years to come. He leaves much too soon, and what remains is not only profound sadness at his premature passing, but a deep sense of loss, knowing that all his marvelous future plans—for a new book, for his proposed Lincoln course at Gettysburg this fall, for the next Civil War Institute he planned to devote to his mentor, Gary Gallagher—all now gone, along with his unforgettable personality and verve. I will miss him very much, both professionally and personally.”