Star sighting

Every now and then, famous people take time to visit Antietam National Battlefield. Recently, actor Paul Giamatti was in the visitor center. I wanted him to enjoy his visit without any interruptions and so he was able to visit incognito same as everyone else. I wonder if he is researching a part for a future project involving the civil war. Time will tell.

It is Hot outside!

Do you like your history hot? Well, it was hot today in Sharpsburg, Maryland. The temperature hit 100 degrees and the humidity made it feel like 105. It's very important to find shade when your're giving a battlefield tour. Visitors are more likely to enjoy the experience if the sun is not shining directly on them. They might enjoy watching the ranger melt in front of them.

July 3, 2010 Salute to Independence

Celebrate the 4th of July at Antietam National Battlefield and they will come! And so they did-30,000 or so. For the past 11 years, I've been part of this truly American event and marvel at how so many people brave the hot weather, the crowds, and the traffic to witness this celebration of the American Declaration of Independence. What is so moving is that the celebration takes place at the site of the bloodiest one day in American history. Over 23,000 Americans were killed, wounded, or missing on the same ground where people drag their coolers, lawn chairs, and frisbees to hear the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and most importantly, to watch the fireworks boom out loudly through the valley. I feel it most appropriate that July 4th, 2010 will be the beginning of my blog with the focus on the Antietam National Battlefield experience.