In the dim lecture hall of Dauphin Humanities Center (DHC) room 151, Temple University professor Carolyn Kitch opened up on a light note, giving an explanation of why her hair was not in the right place.

After teaching a journalism history class in Philadelphia, Kitch hopped in her car and drove straight to Shippensburg University. Rushing to the college left Kitch’s hair in a mess, but her mind was ready with a story to tell SU students.

Kitch worked as a magazine editor for 11 years. During her time as an undergraduate student she took an interest in American history. “For me the past is comforting,” Kitch said. “It helps us understand that their situation is similar to ours,” Kitch said of the people in history.

The topic that Kitch chose to speak about was titled “Rewriting the Past: History, Memory and The Changing Stories of Pennsylvania Places.” The lecture was focused on public communication and how history is changed by the storyteller. The two historical events that Kitch concentrated on were the battle in Gettysburg and Flight 93.

Kitch compared both events and how their stories were told through the media and altered through the memory of those who have talked about it.

During the lecture, a presentation showed photos of each historical event. Students had the opportunity to see different perspectives of each event.

After Flight 93 crashed, the people of Shanksville built a temporary memorial for the victims that lasted for 13 years. In that time, about 2 million people visited the site. Kitch was one of 2 million visitors that listened to a story of good and evil told by locals of what happened during that event. One local asked the tourists what they would have done if they were in that situation, Kitch said.

The battle of Gettysburg was the last topic Kitch touched upon. Kitch said that National Park rangers tell the story of Gettysburg to the public. On Kitch’s visit to Gettysburg there was a truck that widened on each side to create a road show. “The truck is filled with actors who dress up and do reenactments of 1863 speeches”, Kitch said.

Kitch’s deep description of the battle, the people and their stories helped SU students in DHC understand Kitch’s passion for Pennsylvania History.

SU freshman, Caitlin Wallace, attended the lecture not only because it was extra credit for her history class, but also because it sparked her interest. “I found her discussion on Gettysburg interesting because I’m familiar with the area and I have visited several times,” Wallace, an exercise science major, said.

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