Wayne Motts - American Civil War Page

06/13/2026

Always grateful to work with Jim and have him assist me and the National Civil War Museum. A great artifact from the collection of the museum at East Cavalry Field at Gettysburg. An ID disk from a bugler in George Custer's Michigan Cavalry Brigade.

After 163 years, a remarkable Civil War artifact has returned to Gettysburg.

Join Wayne Motts and special guest historian James A. Hessler at East Cavalry Field as they explore the personal identification disk of Bugler Amos Konkel, Company F, 6th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. Worn during service in George Custer's famed Michigan Cavalry Brigade, this artifact provides a powerful connection to the soldiers who fought at Gettysburg.

Discover the story behind the relic, the soldier who carried it, and the battlefield where history unfolded.

🎥 Watch now on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/rxLRc1vHa_I

06/05/2026

A twofer in this month's Tombstone Tales: Radical Republican Ohio Senator Benjamin F. Wade (1800-1878) and his son,
James F. Wade (1843-1921), an aide to Union General Alfred Pleasonton in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Watch now and follow along with The National Civil War Museum: https://youtu.be/VWHieKR7bcY

Help support our work. Please think about donating here:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SGWYZSY5TH2R4

05/26/2026

Once again, I am very honored to work with my friend, coauthor, and colleague Jim Hessler in our second Touring Tuesday video for the National Civil War Museum. He knows so much on this subject we just did 30 minutes on one segment of the fighting but wow there sure is a lot of information. Be sure to tune in to the entire episode. Thanks Jim!

🍑 Exploring Gettysburg’s Peach Orchard 🍑

Join Wayne Motts and Licensed Battlefield Guide James Hessler for a special Touring Tuesdays visit to one of the most significant locations on the Gettysburg battlefield — the Peach Orchard.

Discover the stories, strategy, and sacrifices connected to this historic ground as we continue exploring the places where Civil War history unfolded.

Watch now and follow along with The National Civil War Museum: https://youtu.be/TgS-8c5zXsQ

Help support our work. Please think about donating here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SGWYZSY5TH2R4

05/19/2026

NEW 20th Maine Book.
Come join us at The National Civil War Museum on 6 June 2026 at 11:00 AM (FREE). Original Chamberlain and 20th ME items on display one day only!

05/17/2026

With the 14th US Infantry Regiment on 2 July 1863 at Gettysburg.

05/12/2026

Folks, a great opportunity to see and hear Historian A. Wilson Greene at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. The program is free of charge this Saturday, 16 May 2026, at 11:00 AM. He will speak on the Battle of the Crater; both his volumes on the Petersburg Campaign will be available for sale. The author resides in Tennessee, so here is your chance to meet him in person, hear great history, secure a signed copy of his works, and support the museum. I hope to see some of you in the audience.

05/11/2026

Wow presentation sword from the 2nd NY CAV to Hugh Judson Kilpatrick.

05/10/2026

A Mother's Day tribute from the Gettysburg Battlefield.

05/08/2026

Lincoln's body es**rt. This man survives the American Civil War only to die in the largest theater fire in the United States. A tragic Tombstone tale.

From the Civil War battlefield to one of the greatest tragedies in American history…

In this episode of Tombstone Tales, we visit Waukegan to share the story of Lt. Col. William M. Reid—a Union officer who served his country, es**rted Abraham Lincoln on his final journey, and decades later perished in the tragic Iroquois Theatre Fire.

His story is one of service, survival, and unexpected loss. Help support this content. Please consider sending a gift here:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SGWYZSY5TH2R4

📍 Buried at Oakwood Cemetery
🎥 Watch now and discover another powerful story from the past.
https://youtu.be/tiUZm9O4Z8c