Our own club member, Dr. Daryl  Black, from the Seminary Ridge Museum, gave his classification talk and a detailed overview and update on the museum. Black, who is originally from Georgia, has had a lifelong love of history and specifically Civil War history so this is a dream job for him. Black mentioned that it was his father who instilled his love of history in his life and that he recently lost his father. He fondly recalled many family vacations when he was younger that his father took him on to many Civil War historical sites, including Gettysburg.

Black, who has a Ph. D in Religion and History, told club members that the museum gives a new view on the nation’s pivotal battle. The museum offers an innovative education perspective on the Civil War. It allows us look at medical history, social and cultural history during the war, a history of how we remember the battle and the war and it allows us to look beyond the battle experience. Black is currently in the middle of research for a book he intends to publish on the religious beliefs and background on Robert E. Lee’s Army. He also said that growing up in Atlanta allowed him to have unique view of the world and as a high school student, volunteered to take part in a busing program where he went to school with African Americans which really opened his eyes to the world. “Up until 1980, I lived in a little white bubble,” but my high school experience allowed me to see the real world outside of this bubble,” said Black. Black also invited Rotary members to tour the museum and the famous cupola. The club is also hoping to have a meeting at the museum in the near future. From a personal standpoint Black said he has loved his relocation to Adams County and his married with two young children that will both attend school in the Gettysburg Area School District.