Scott Hartwig to Retire From National Park Service

img_1363-scaled500Yesterday I learned that Scott Hartwig, Supervisory Historian at Gettysburg National Military Park, will retire from the National Park Service at the end of this week. Unfortunately, I only had the opportunity to chat with Scott in person on a few occasions over the past few years. On the other hand, few NPS historians have taught me more about a broad range of topics related to public history and the challenges related to interpreting our nation’s Civil War battlefields. Scott’s list of accomplishments is extensive, from his most recent study of the Antietam Campaign to his work on developing interpretation and exhibits at Gettysburg’s new Visitor Center.

He is a talented historian, educator, and most importantly, a trusted custodian of some of our nation’s most significant treasures. His impact at Gettysburg and elsewhere will surely be felt for decades to come.

I trust that Scott won’t stray too far from the battlefield and a public that values his voice. Hopefully, retirement will give him the time to focus on research and new ways to engage the general public’s appetite for good history. No doubt, he deserves it.

I know I speak for everyone when I say thank you for all that you’ve done on behalf of the American people.

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8 comments… add one
  • COL Dwaine Drummond Mar 16, 2014 @ 16:38

    Scott always found time to make our soldiers, veterans’ and public servants feel like there would be the rumble of cannon or the smell of powder greet us at the next turn. His professionalism and heartfelt care always made this history student yearn for more. I will miss our chats but am proud to have walked and talked across those hallowed fields together. Thanks Kevin for recognizing a great American.

    COL Dwaine Drummond
    U.S. Army War College Fellow
    The Fletcher School

  • Steven Pacholyk Dec 31, 2013 @ 8:43

    Scott,

    Your career at Gettysburg resulted in everyone around you becoming richer in both knowledge and a Park that has benefitted from your hard work and dedication. As a young guide at Gettysburg, you and John Heiser were iconic figures we all looked up to.

    Thank you for making us all better
    and for contributing to a place we all hold near and dear.

    Steven J Pacholyk

  • john hennessy Dec 31, 2013 @ 5:03

    Scott has been a model of consistent excellence in matters large and small. His determination never overawed his humanity. His success never rendered him aloof. We should all do half as well.

  • John Heiser Dec 30, 2013 @ 17:48

    Thank you for recognizing Scott and his achievements, Kevin. We at Gettysburg NMP have been fortunate to have him here and will really miss his dedication to history, willingness to share his knowledge, and the guidance he’s shown in expanding the park’s interpretive program far beyond expectations culminating in the success that was the 150th anniversary observance of the battle and Gettysburg Address. Knowing him, “retirement” only means adequate time to work further on the history he knows so well.

    • Kevin Levin Dec 31, 2013 @ 5:04

      My pleasure, John. Glad to see that this post is making the rounds.

  • William Richardson Dec 30, 2013 @ 14:58

    If the National Park Service had a Hall Of Fame, Scott would be in it. He is a great historian and person. Scott, enjoy retirement, but for some reason I doubt you will be idle long.

  • Martin Fleming Dec 30, 2013 @ 14:57

    Scott is one of the best civil war rangers and historians. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with him when we were both much younger.

  • Brooks D. Simpson Dec 30, 2013 @ 13:58

    Simply put, Scott’s a gentleman, a scholar, and a treasure.

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