It was the greatest battle ever fought on American soil. In fact, the greatest battle ever waged in the Western Hemisphere. It was also the turning point in the Civil War, the first time the seemingly invincible Robert E. Lee was soundly defeated. The movie Gettysburg, released in 1993, starring Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, and Martin Sheen, with literally a cast of thousands, was filmed on location in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It tells the story of that epic three-day conflict that changed the course of the war — and the course of history. The director’s cut, which was never shown in theaters, is nearly five-hours long, and we will be viewing the movie in its entirely in segments over the course of five weeks. John Dickson will provide historical commentary on the battle, and Richard Matturro will provide commentary on the movie. Then, following a break at the end of the screening each week, there will be ample time for questions, comments, and discussion with participants.

John Dickson served 26 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, with assignments in Nigeria, South Africa, Peru, Mexico and Canada, as well as in Washington DC. He is active in local history projects in Pittsfield while continuing international work through two Peace Corps alumni organizations: Encore de la Paix and the Peace Corps Community for Refugees. The author of History Shock, Where History Collides with Foreign Relations, he holds degrees in history from Princeton University and the University of Massachusetts.

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