Comments on: More on the Gettysburg VC

By: Harry Smeltzer

Harry Smeltzer — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:25:05 +0000

Mannie,

Ahh, the simple pleasures of the good cop!

By: Mannie Gentile

Mannie Gentile — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:43:24 +0000

Harry,

My reaction was very similar to yours, which I posted here:
http://volunteersinparks.blogspot.com/2008/07/gettysburg-visitor-center-comments.html

I got kind of reamed out (again) by one of my regular readers (comments). People seem to like me better when I keep it light and cheery. Man, I don’t know how Kevin can stand the heat sometimes.

Mannie

By: Don Gallagher

Don Gallagher — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:15:18 +0000

I would like to comment on the Museum telling the History of the War as opposed to the History of the Battle. I think that too many regular/well read visitors lose sight of the fact that for the majority of visitors, Gettysburg is the gateway to the American Civil War. They first need an understanding of why the battle was fought at all. Secondary is why Gettysburg was the location of the battle. If they are interested in a detailed tactical explanation of the battle, either that will come from the first two points or probably not at all. The Park will aim to please the Majority first, because that’s what the Goverment does. They will please the rest of us later when it is more convenient.

By: Steve Basic

Steve Basic — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:34:09 +0000

Harry,

I guess the main problem I have is when it comes to help paying for the new place, the diehards were inundated with mailings asking to help foot the bill. That’s fine, and I accept that, but to ignore the complaints from us now shows that those concerned were only interested in what we would donate to the new VC. IMHO, it’s not right at all.

Hope all is well.

Steve

By: Chris Army

Chris Army — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:09:12 +0000

I agree with you and Francis, Harry….you’re last paragraph captures my thoughts on the new VC as well.

Most of the 1.5-2 Million visitors per year are only going to be there for a day or two so the “crown jewel” of National Military Parks provides a great experience for those visitors. Alyce’s and my experiences with friends of ours that visited over the summer thought the VC was done in classy fashion with a great way to explain the conflict and the battle.

In addition, when the new Cyclorama opens up I’m sure it will be vastly different than the old experience as the painting is being set up the way it was according to Sue Boardman.

Glad you had a great trip, wish I was there too!

Chris

By: Francis Rose

Francis Rose — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:49:43 +0000

I think the last paragraph sums up my feelings about the new VC better than I could write it. Bravo.

Francis