Mr. Sander's APUSH class recently enjoyed a terrific student presentation by Ia Sofcleus, who shared a personal and compelling example of how the Civil War continues to live on through family memory and historical reenactment. Ia spoke about her grandfather’s long involvement as a Civil War reenactor in Pennsylvania, where he frequently portrayed a Union soldier in the famed 69th New York Regiment—part of the Irish Brigade, one of the most famous ethnic regiments of the Civil War, known especially for its service in the Eastern Theater (Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg).
Ia explained that her grandfather also participated as a reenactor in the 2003 film Gods and Generals, based on the novel by Michael Shaara, which prominently depicts the Battle of Chancellorsville. She also highlighted the role of her father, discussing the importance of Irish music and bands in reenactment culture and how these traditions help preserve the regiment’s historical and cultural identity.
Most meaningfully, Ia reflected on visiting Civil War battlefields with her grandfather and how those shared experiences forged a strong bond between them. Her presentation offered students a powerful reminder that the Civil War is not just a topic in textbooks, but a living history—remembered and passed down through families.
