About Me

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I am a lifelong student of military history with particular interest in the Battle of Antietam. I work for the federal government in Washington DC and have two young adult children who I love very much. I currently volunteer at Antietam and devote much time to the study of this battle and the Maryland Campaign. I enjoy collecting notable contemporary quotations by and about the men of Antietam. Since 2013 I have been conducting in depth research on the regular artillery companies of the Union Army and their leaders. I hope to turn this into a book on this subject in the future. My perspective comes from a 28-year career in the U.S. Army. Travels took me to World War II battlefields in Europe and the Pacific where American valor ended the tyranny of Nazism and Empire. But our country faced its own greatest challenge 80 years earlier during the Civil War. And it was the critical late summer of 1862, when Robert E. Lee launched the Maryland Campaign. It is an incredible story of drama, carnage, bravery, and missed opportunities that culminated around the fields and woodlots of peaceful Sharpsburg MD. So join me as I make this journey South from the North Woods.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Renovations at the Joseph Poffenberger Farm

Today I enjoyed a beautiful late fall day volunteering at Antietam National Battlefield. This year from my battlefield ambassador post in the North Woods, I have observed the renovations of the Joseph Poffenberger Farm as they progress. My hat is off the the tremendous workmanship and skill of the men and women from the Cultural Resources and Maintenance Divisions at Antietam who are doing this important work. Here are several photos taken as the renovation progressed and photos of the property as it looks now. All the pictures were taken at various times this year. The first two are photos taken of the farm from the intersection of Mansfield Avenue and Dunker Church Road looking northeast. The first was taken on January 16, and the second was taken today. The next two are of the house. They were taken on May 31, and today. The Save Historic Antietam Foundation (SHAF) contributed $10,000 towards the renovations of the farm house. The next four are of the barn in various stages of dis-assembly and reconstruction. The pictures were taken on April 18, May 31, June 21, and today. Finally the last two of the farm are taken from the southern fence of Miller's Cornfield. They were taken on April 12 and today. I have several other posts in the works and hope to get back on a regular routine soon. For now, enjoy these photos and the beauty of this great place.