Professor Carmichael, pictured in 2019, discussing his book “The War for the Common Soldier” on C-SPAN
By Vincent DiFonzo, Editor-in-Chief
Professor Peter Carmichael, director of the Civil War Institute and professor of history, died on Sunday, July 21, due to complications from a respiratory illness. He was 58.
Carmichael was a historian and Civil War scholar who published numerous works, including his most recent, “The War for the Common Soldier: How Men Thought, Fought and Survived in Civil War Armies.”
The Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College issued a statement describing Carmichael as a “true visionary,” and characterized him as a generous, charismatic and curious person.
“He was bold, daring, and courageous and infectiously charismatic,” read the statement. “Pete had so much left to do and give to this world; he was so excited about sharing the book he was currently writing with the world, and eager to teach a new class on Lincoln this Fall. He looked forward to welcoming the incoming class of Gettysburg College students and meeting the next wave of budding young historians.”
The CWI also praised Carmichael’s teaching style. “Pete was a masterful teacher; he excited, mesmerized, challenged and inspired his students with his enthusiastic delivery of historical material and the ways he encouraged his students to rigorously interrogate primary sources to more fully understand the mindsets, experiences, and decisions made by historical actors,” read the statement.
Following his death, many students took to social media to remember Carmichael and share how he personally impacted them at Gettysburg.
“Rest in peace to a mentor and a scholar. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without Professor Carmichael,” wrote Lou Mohan ’25, a history major. “He directly inspired me to pursue both Civil War Era studies and the National Parks Service, and was an incredibly supportive and positive figure for myself and dozens of other history students here at Gettysburg.”
Olivia Taylor ’25 wrote, “To call this loss devastating would be an understatement. Dr. Carmichael was an amazing professor, mentor and friend.”
Professor Peter Carmichael (Photo courtesy Gettysburg College)
Colleen Bergmann ’25 reflected on Carmichael’s impact in the classroom and his positive personality.
“Like so many others, I am truly heartbroken at the news of Professor Carmichael’s passing. He was such an inspirational and hilarious teacher. Thanks to him, Civil War history was actually enjoyable to learn about. His personality was bigger than life. I will truly miss our conversations and debates. We would argue often about art hierarchy, Celsius versus coffee and whether or not France is an enjoyable place (to visit),” wrote Bergmann.
Carmichael served as director of the CWI for 14 years, overseeing the creation of the Pohanka internship program, which places students interested in public history into summer internship opportunities across the country. He also acted as the coordinator of the Civil War Era studies minor and co-coordinator of the public history minor.
McKenna White ’25 remarked that “Dr. Carmichael was a person who truly cared about his students and the staff working with him.”
“Gettysburg College and the CWI will not be the same without him,” she wrote.
Charlie Miller ’25 said that Carmichael was “an incredible role model and mentor, and always made the classroom environment relaxed and welcoming.”
Two former roommates from the class of 2012 reached out to The Gettysburgian to share their experience taking Carmichael’s classes.
“Peter Carmichael was a brilliant Civil War historian and easily one of the top professors that I had at Gettysburg. The best are the ones who make teaching look so effortless and set an example in all walks of life, as he did. We’ll all miss him,” said Andrew Mearns ’12.
Nick Oristian wrote, “This one hurts. Pete was one of the best minds when it came to civil war history but he was also just a fun guy to talk to outside of class. Spending a night with him at a bar in Fredericksburg talking about life and career will always be a fond Gettysburg memory for me.”
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to include the statement issued by the Civil War Institute and to include comment from alumni – (V. DiFonzo)
July 25, 2024
As a history major from Gettysburg college, it is tragic to see that Professor Carmichael died at 58. He was so well liked and an excellent scholar.