Class Year

2008

Files

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Document Type

Student Research Paper

Publication Date

Spring 2006

Description

Every day thousands of students walk across the Gettysburg College campus. They are distracted by thinking about class, or homework, or the latest happenings in their social lives. Whether or not they think about it daily the students are aware of the historical place in which they are present, the battlefields which surround the campus and the Civil War re-enactors who are reminders of the historical significance of this area. But what is much less obvious to the students is that on their walks to and from classes and to meals or to check their mail they pass what is referred to as “hidden history.” This history is hidden in plain sight, photographs or paintings, plaques, and statues, all of these objects help to tell the story of Gettysburg College. The people in the past and the events that took place on campus, have helped to shape the college of today. That is why these people and events have been commemorated in some form on campus, but the majority of these objects are seen in passing, but never really observed by students. Once a statue or painting is researched the story behind it unfolds, and a little more about the campus is revealed. The story of when, why, and what it has meant to the campus community is important when researching the history in plain sight. An example of “hidden history” on the campus is the Eisenhower statue adjacent to the Dwight D. Eisenhower House, at 300 Carlisle Street. [excerpt]

Course Information:

  • Course Title: HIST 300: Historical Method
  • Academic Term: Spring 2006
  • Course Instructor: Dr. Michael J. Birkner '72

Hidden in Plain Sight is a collection of student papers on objects that are "hidden in plain sight" around the Gettysburg College campus. Topics range from the Glatfelter Hall gargoyles to the statue of Eisenhower and from historical markers to athletic accomplishments. You can download the paper in pdf format and click "View Photo" to see the image in greater detail.

Keywords

Gettysburg College, Hidden in Plain Sight, Dwight D. Eisenhower

Disciplines

Public History | United States History

Department 1

History

Campus Location

Admissions Building

Eisenhower Statue

View Photo

COinS