In memory of Peter Carmichael, Civil War researcher and educator

The Gettysburg community mourns the loss of Peter Carmichael, a renowned Civil War scholar and educator, who recently passed away at the age of 58. Carmichael was a beloved member of many communities, including his neighbors on Tiffany Ln., past and present members of Gettysburg College, and the broader community of Civil War scholars, students, and enthusiasts.

Carmichael is perhaps best known for his work as the longtime director of Gettysburg College’s Civil War Institute, a week-long, intensive conference that combined battlefield studies with academic presentations and panel discussions. He also served for 14 years as the Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War-era studies at the college, where he mentored young talent and contributed to the literature.

Carmichael was a prolific author who wrote several books, perhaps his most famous work being The War for the Common Soldier. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and his doctorate from Penn State University in 1996. Before moving to Gettysburg College in 2010, he held positions at Western Carolina University, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and West Virginia University.

In notifying the college community of Carmichael’s death, Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano wrote, “Pete’s impact on this community and the community of Civil War scholars was immeasurable… He helped us look at the Civil War from a broader and more nuanced perspective and, along the way, introduced countless Gettysburg College students to the field of public history.”

Friends and colleagues alike remember Carmichael’s encyclopedic knowledge of the Civil War, his boundless energy, his captivating storytelling, and his commitment to nurturing young talent. Several colleagues and friends shared stories of their personal connections to Carmichael, his boundless energy, and his million-dollar smile.

Carmichael will be remembered as a passionate and gifted educator, researcher, mentor, and storyteller whose contributions to the literature and public understanding of the Civil War will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

Caption: Carmichael doing his favorite thing: showing students around a battlefield.