David Wills House presents Press Corps Living History event
Exhibit features sketches of nationally known Civil War artist Joseph Becker
(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 10/13/2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ...
CONTACT:
Jennifer Roth
Manager, David Wills House
(717) 334-2499
[email protected]
The David Wills House is hosting a living history event on the 1860s press corps in honor of the 150th commemoration of the Civil War. The living history event, offered free with the cost of admission, is scheduled for Oct. 23, 1-4 p.m.
In the 1860s, photography was in its infancy and newspapers relied heavily on the artistic talents of sketch artists who would submit drawings of public speeches, events and individuals for publication. During the Civil War, artists were assigned to posts following the armies as they fought across the eastern and western theaters of operation.
Joseph Becker, portrayed by historian Quinn Gilly, will engage visitors regarding his job as a Civil War sketch artist for “Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper” of New York. Born c. 1841 in Pottsville, Pa., Becker was not formally trained as an artist. However, while working as an errand boy for “Leslie’s,” he showed potential in his sketches and was sent to cover the Army of the Potomac, then approaching Gettysburg in 1863. He recorded the aftermath of the battle in his sketches, including the initial burial of soldiers on the field. He was also present for the dedication of Soldiers’ National Cemetery and produced sketches of its construction.
In all, about 88 of his wartime sketches were published in “Leslie’s” from 1863-65 and he went on to sketch scenes of the railroads’ push toward the Pacific Ocean in 1869. About 40 of his sketches, including the railroad construction, laborers and lives of the Chinese immigrants in San Francisco were published in Frank Leslie’s “Across the Continent” series, published between 1869 and 1870. Becker’s sketches of the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 boosted “Leslie’s” circulation to an unheard of 470,000 (for that issue alone) and earned him promotion to manager of the newspaper’s art department in 1875. He retired in 1900 and died in Brooklyn 10 years later.
The living history event will take place at the David Wills House located at 8 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg.
The David Wills House is a new museum located in the heart of the historic district of Gettysburg that tells the story of the aftermath of the battle and President Abraham Lincoln’s visit to give the Gettysburg Address. Officially part of Gettysburg National Military Park, the museum is operated by Main Street Gettysburg. Located at 8 Lincoln Square, the museum includes five galleries, two recreated rooms – the David Wills law office and the Lincoln bedroom, two interactive exhibits, two films, and gift shop. For more information, call (866) 486-5735 or www.davidwillshouse.org.
VisitPA.com
