Me: *dramatically complains of sore throat* Wife: “don’t worry, you can’t die of a sore throat” Me: *gestures at casualty list*

It’s been a long year, but we’re thankful for many things today. Sending love to you and yours this holiday season. Now go nap.

Home for the next two weeks. Here’s to the final stretch of the Fall 2025 semester.

How are we only 10 months in? 🤦🏻‍♂️

The annual @gettysburgcollege.bsky.social Fortenbaugh Lecture never fails to bring generations of historians together in one room. Last night’s gathering was no different, presenting the opportunity to chat with some of those who have inspired my work thus far.

Many thanks to my friends at the Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table for always being such gracious hosts

As we all watch Ken Burn’s American Revolution on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) this evening, remember that federal funding for this public programming has been cut by a president who aspires to be like the king patriots separated from nearly 250 years ago.

Fife and drum echo through the streets while reenactors roam the town and pickup trucks zip to and fro. All the while our little section on the first day’s battlefield remains serene. This is Remembrance Day weekend in Gettysburg.

Same paper. Same bullshit. Different year. The Baltimore Sun: November 14, 2025 ➡️ April 17, 1857

Welcome back, my fellow formerly furloughed friends. We just survived the longest government shutdown in United States history. Today marks our return to the places we belong, and to the mission which we took an oath to execute. And remember - be kind to yourselves.

I’ve been called a lot of things throughout my life. “Your Local News Source” is not one of them.

In the first few episodes of the new James A. Garfield miniseries, Black Grand Army members are getting more screen time than they ever have in cinema, let alone any Grand Army veterans. In exploring history, Death by Lightning is *making* history.

Furlough Day XLII: Term papers are due in one month. Here’s to the home stretch.

Furlough Day XXXVII:

As I’ve done countless times since the start of the shutdown, I stepped out of the house for a few minutes to walk my backyard battlefield; this time with a tangible piece of history, and a window into the human spirit.

Furlough Day XXXVI:

Furlough Day XXXV: This evening we cast our vote on the Gettysburg battlefield, where soldiers of the US Army’s 11th Corps fought for a “new birth of freedom.” Everything currently sucks, but at least we have democracy (for now).

The Future of Public History: A Conversation With Rich Condon #NationalParks #PublicHistory open.substack.com/pub/kevinmle...

Furlough Day XXXIV: When family is in town to Devil’s Den we go down.

Many thanks to @civilwarmonitor.bsky.social for allowing me the space to share some thoughts on the current state, and possible future, of public history. www.civilwarmonitor.com/the-future-o...

What's the future hold for public historians? In our latest digital history column, Rich Condon reflects on where things stand—and the challenges going forward—for those on the front lines of historical interpretation. Read it here: bit.ly/4qGcyNA @richcondon.bsky.social

1990-2025: Different pumpkin onesie. Same anxiety.

Furlough Day XXXI: Happy Halloween, yinz. 🎃

Furlough Day XXX:

Having to teach real human adults the concept of empathy and caring was not on my 2025 bingo card, but I learned from the best.

Walking the streets of Gettysburg in October:

Furlough Day XXIV: The Catoctin Crew assembled for the first time since the start of the government shutdown. An IC Light was in order.

The stack is ever-growing.

Furlough Day XXII: A morning battlefield walk, taking the farm lane less traveled.

Furlough Day XXI: A break from writing brings me back to the brickyard for a little reminder that things could always be worse.

Furlough Day XIX:

Furlough Day XVI: I was headed to Harper’s Ferry for the 166th anniversary observance of John Brown’s Raid. An eight-point buck had other plans for me. 🤦🏻‍♂️

Just to be sure, those involved in the chat were between the ages of 18 and 35, which makes them… *checks notes * … adults. Old enough to vote, old enough to join the military, old enough to get married and have kids, and old enough to have influence in this country.

Furlough Day XV: Evidence of the government shutdown is becoming more visible as some park visitors damage resources and do so with impunity. This is why we can’t have nice things.

Take a seat.

Furlough Day XIV: The office may be shut down, but the work never stops.

The only Italians I’m celebrating today. Great Nonni.

Furlough Day XII: It was a pleasure working alongside friends as we led members of The General Meade Society of Philadelphia through an overview of the 1862 Maryland Campaign!

Furlough Day IX:

We’re all tired, yinz.

Furlough Day VIII: A morning of aimlessly meandering along the rolling battlefield landscape.

Furlough Day VII: It’s soup season.

Furlough Day VI: This is a view I never thought I’d enjoy in my lifetime; open ground on Carter Hill. Before beginning the trek home from Tennessee we stopped by the battlefield of Franklin, where I cut my teeth in the world of public history many years ago.

Government Shutdown/Furlough Day IV: From atop the remains of Fort Negley, a panoramic view of the sprawling 1864 Nashville battlefield, with Peach Orchard Hill in the distance. (Yes, Negley is named after a Yinzer.)

Government Shutdown Day II:

“No more beardos. The era of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles is done.” -Pete Hegseth claiming facial hair’s incompatibility with warrior ethos

The furlough special.

Government Shutdown Day 1… sitting at the office waiting on furlough paperwork and literally any kind of guidance.

This timeline sucks.

It was a perfect Summer-like Autumn day for tour reconnaissance and a battlefield trek through the beautiful rolling hills of Western Maryland.