The Muncy Historical Society is planning a series of events and activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Throughout 2011, the society will host and co-host a series of Civil War-related presentations, designed to provide educational experiences and to appeal to all ages. In anticipation of the year-long focus, Dr. Benjamin Duke will introduce both the Confederate and the Union sides of the Civil War at the Historical Society’s upcoming meeting at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.

Duke will present “Tracing the Footsteps of my Reb-Yank Grandfather: the Civil War from Baton Rouge to Berwick” at the First United Methodist Church’s Community Room, 602 S. Market St., Muncy. Society meetings begin promptly at 2:30 p.m.

In researching the history of his grandfather, official Confederate documents revealed that Victor Brand (George Duke) had served in the “foot cavalry” under Stonewall Jackson in the 7th Louisiana Hays Brigade from the first Battle of Winchester, Va., to Antietam, Md., to Jackson’s death at Chancellorsville and beyond. His military career as a “Tiger” ended with his capture at Falling Waters following his last battle in a gray uniform at Cemetery Hill, Gettysburg.

Union documents revealed that five months later he enlisted in Philadelphia as George Duke from Baltimore, in the 104th Pennsylvania Volunteers. While wearing a Union uniform, Duke’s service took him to South Carolina, Florida and finally to the Bermuda Front of Richmond, Va.

This will be a fascinating presentation and historical accounting of Victor Brand, a.k.a. George Duke’s, military service. While talking about Cemetery Hill, Duke also will highlight how his grandfather’s unit faced the men under Col. R. Bruce Rickett’s command and fought against many of the young men of the West Branch Valley.

Duke grew up in Berwick. Following service in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, he earned his Ph.D. from Penn State University and one from the University of London. His professional career of 40 years was spent on the facility of International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan, where he served as director of American Studies and chairman of the Graduate Faculty of Education. Now retired, he resides in Mechanicsburg.

The society’s meetings and events are always open to the public. Light refreshments are served immediately following the program.

2010 Meetings:

March 14, 2010, 2:30 p.m.
April 11, 2010, 2:30 p.m.
May 16, 2010, 2:30 p.m.
September 12, 2010, 2:30 p.m.
October 10, 2010, 2:30 p.m.

 

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