Holding History: Civil War Letters with James M. Scythes

Discover the personal stories of Civil War soldiers through the lens of their correspondence. James M. Scythes, Assistant Professor of History at West Chester University, will discuss his book, Letters to Lizzie: The Story of Sixteen Men in the Civil War and the One Woman Who Connected Them All. This unique collection of 124 letters exchanged between sixteen Union soldiers and Lizzie Brick of Hurffville, New Jersey, offers insights into the daily lives, thoughts, and relationships of soldiers during the war. Through these letters, we glimpse the bonds that connected these men to their community and the critical role Lizzie played in sustaining those relationships.

After the talk, participants will have a chance to delve into the special collections of the Chester County History Center’s Library. Get hands-on experience with historical manuscripts, letters, photographs, and journals from the Civil War era, and uncover stories of your own in this archival workshop. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious learner, this is a rare opportunity to connect with the past through original documents.

This is a pay-as-you-wish, in-person event.  Please click to register for this pay-as-you-wish event

About the Speaker: James M. Scythes is an Assistant Professor of History at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He received a B.A. in History from Rowan University and an M.A. in History from Villanova University. His research interests focus on antebellum America and the American Civil War. In 2016, Lehigh University Press published his first book, This Will Make a Man of Me: The Life and Letters of a Teenage Officer in the Civil War. His second book, Letters to Lizzie: The Story of Sixteen Men in the Civil War and the One Woman Who Connected Them All, was published by Kent State University Press in December 2022. He has three book chapters published, including one on Civil War soldiers’ obituaries, which appears in the book, The Civil War Soldier and the Press. He served as the president of the Gloucester County Historical Society in Woodbury, New Jersey from 2021-2024, and was a member of its Board of Trustees from 2002-2024.