Professor Peter Carmichael appearing in a Gettysburg College YouTube video on the Battle of Gettysburg (Photo courtesy Gettysburg College YouTube)
By Vincent DiFonzo, Editor-in-Chief
Civil War Institute director and history professor Peter Carmichael, 58, has died due to complications from a respiratory illness. President Bob Iuliano announced his death in an email to the campus community Sunday afternoon.
Carmichael was a published author, renowned Civil War scholar and Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Era Studies at the College for 14 years.
Professor Peter Carmichael (Photo courtesy Gettysburg College)
“Pete’s impact on this community and in the community of Civil War scholars has been immeasurable,” wrote Iuliano. “He has helped us to see the Civil War through a broader and more nuanced lens and along the way guided legions of Gettysburg College students into the field of public history.”
Carmichael earned his bachelor’s degree in history at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and his doctorate from Penn State University in 1996. He held positions at Western Carolina University, the University of North Carolina Greensboro and West Virginia University before coming to Gettysburg College in 2010.
Carmichael is known for his books on the civil war: “The Last Generation: Young Virginians in Peace, War, and Reunion,” “The War for the Common Soldier,” and “Lee’s Young Artillerist: William R. J. Pegram.”
Carmichael also served on the Board of Directors and the Historians’ Council of the Gettysburg Foundation, and previously as a distinguished lecturer for the Organization of American Historians, as Gettysburg National Military Park’s first scholar-in-residence and as co-editor of the Civil War America series from the University of North Carolina Press.
Many students took to social media to share how Carmichael impacted their time at Gettysburg College.
Carmichael was also well-known among the Battle of Gettysburg history community. Matt Callery, host of podcast Addressing Gettysburg, shared a video on YouTube reflecting on Carmichael’s death.
“He was very integral to the Gettysburg history community, especially the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College,” Callery remarked. “On a personal level, to me, he became a very good friend to me, and from the first time we had him on the show, he was an instant supporter.”
In his email, Iuliano said that the Gettysburg community will “sorely miss Pete’s leadership and dedication, but more than that we will sorely miss Pete. He very much helped make this campus the special place that it is. We will forever cherish his presence in our lives.”
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to correct that Professor Carmichael earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, which has since split into two separate institutions, and not at Indiana State University as the article previously suggested. – V. DiFonzo
July 21, 2024
Terrible loss. Prayers and condolences for Beth and the girls.
July 22, 2024
Prayers for his mother Charlotte Carmichael, a member of the Indianapolis Civil War Round Table, where Pete was an active member when he was a boy.
July 22, 2024
Such a great loss. Prayers for Beth and his daughters. Rest in peace Peter. You are missed and you made a huge difference in my life. Thank you Peter.
July 22, 2024
So sorry to hear of Peter Carmichael passing. I had the pleasure of first meeting and listening to him at a NY Civil War countable and was impressed with his speaking and writing about the common soldier. I have seen and spoken with him on many occasions and always enjoyed those times. Condolences to his family and the civil war community Peter will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
July 22, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Carmichael family.
July 23, 2024
May God bless his noble soul and give comfort to Dr. Carmichael’s family.
Prof. Ervin L. Jordan Jr., University of Virginia
Gettysburg Foundation Board of Directors, 2011-2020
July 23, 2024
May God bless his noble soul and give comfort to Dr. Carmichael’s family.
Prof. Ervin L. Jordan Jr., University of Virginia
Gettysburg Foundation Board of Directors, 2011-2020
July 23, 2024
A wonderful friend, scholar, and human being. This is a great loss to all.
July 24, 2024
Shocked and stunned at the sad news. Also deepest sympathies to Charlotte and the family. I am sure everyone with the Indianapolis CWRT feels the same.
July 24, 2024
What a good man and great educator.
July 24, 2024
Pete was an outstanding lecturer and presenter. He graciously acknowledged an email from a humble community college instructor, and said, “Call me Pete.”
July 25, 2024
I had the pleasure of virtually meeting Dr. Carmichael through John Heckman and instantly loved his welcoming demeanor and positive spirit. His smile was infectious and knowledge incredible – my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
July 26, 2024
i only became aware of Dr. Carmichael a week ago…yet i cried like a small child when i learned of his passing…Most unusual for me…but his style and grace made me feel so comfortable at his presentations…The world is a far-far poorer place with his loss…My profound condolences to his Wife and Kids….
July 27, 2024
Peter was a good friend and neighbor. We worked together to save a section of land that was a key part of the battlefield from commercial development. His leadership, energy, and dedication to this cause were an inspiration to the neighborhood. In the end, 150+ years late, we were successful. My condolences to his wife Beth and the girls. He will be sorely missed.
November 3, 2024
I became aware of Peter Carmichael and his work through
C-SPAN’s American History TV. As a history/social studies and science middle school educator I was immediately drawn to his knowledge and manner of sharing it with his audience. I was able to use much of what he shared with my students and both they and I appreciated his unique interpretation of the topics he shared and his enthusiasm while doing so.
As I said previously, my only exposure to Peter and his work was through C-SPAN but I can honestly say that I am disappointed I never saw him or worked with him in person.
He greatly influenced many of my students and myself.
My condolences to his family.