Drawing inspiration from Lt. William H. Pohlman’s reported final words—“Cease firing”—writer Kellie Gormly spent years researching the history of The Swope Manor, a Gettysburg home that sheltered the town’s wealthiest family and served as the place where Pohlman died in 1863 after being wounded during Pickett’s Charge. Her work culminated in the book Cease Firing! Life and Death at The Swope Manor, now in its second edition. Join Gormly on Saturday, January 10th at 2 p.m. as she tells the intertwined stories of Pohlman, the prominent Swope family, and the house that connects them. During her talk, Gormly will also share excerpts from some of Pohlman’s eloquent wartime letters, which provide a fascinating look into the lieutenant’s experiences during the Civil War.

Gormly is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience. She writes for top national publications including Smithsonian, The Washington Post, Woman's World, and FIRST for Women.