The First Defenders depart from Pottsville, PA | April 17, 1861

Posted on by Jake Wynn

“The people flocked in by thousands… it seemed as if its whole population had been poured forth.” On a cold April day in 1861, Pottsville, PA came to a standstill as hundreds of young men marched to the railroad depot and into a civil war that had just begun. Crowds filled the streets, handkerchiefs waved from every window, and the sound of cheers followed the train as it pulled away. The soldiers went into history as the "First Defenders." Read the Full Story.

Scranton residents at the March on Washington | 1963

Posted on by Jake Wynn

In August 1963, dozens of residents from Scranton traveled to Washington, DC for the March for Jobs and Freedom, witnessing Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech firsthand. Their reflections capture a powerful moment during the Civil Rights Movement that felt, as one attendee said, like “This is America.” Read the Full Story.

Tour of the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum | 2021

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Back in 2021, I led a virtual tour of the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum in Washington, DC. Check out the tour and learn more about Clara Barton's incredible work as a humanitarian during the Civil War-era. The tour also highlights the history of her boardinghouse rooms that became the Missing Soldiers Office after the Civil War. Check it out!

A Pennsylvania soldier describes a Christmas in the forts around Washington, DC during the Civil War

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Experience a Pennsylvania soldier’s unique 1862 Christmas in Washington, D.C., as he shares festive camp celebrations alongside news of the Fredericksburg disaster. From decorated tents to races and somber reflections, this letter captures a wartime holiday like no other. Discover a vivid piece of Civil War history. Read the full story.

When Schuylkill County soldiers raced to defend the Capitol in April 1861… and unfortunate modern parallels

Posted on by Jake Wynn

In April 1861, soldiers from Pennsylvania's Coal Region raced to defend the US Capitol. 160 years later, some of those scenes repeated themselves.

“We are determined to conquer in the name of God and our country” – Letter from the 96th Pennsylvania

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Discover a lengthly Civil War letter from Captain Charles D. Hipple of the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry. Gain unique insights into Union soldiers' patriotism, camp life in Washington D.C., and their unwavering resolve in 1861. Explore this primary source for a vivid historical perspective. Read the full story.