Speaker Series: Unearthing the Stories of Union Soldier Brothers: A Personal Tour of the American Civil War

On a sunny July afternoon, Ryan Curley stumbled across the grave of a 24-year-old Union soldier in Marshfield, Massachusetts, just up the street from his childhood home. That moment sparked a deep dive into historical rabbit holes that ultimately lead to a pair of long-forgotten Civil War letters, written from the front lines by brothers-in-law Lucius Carver and Allyne Litchfield, ages 24 and 26.

This talk will introduce what the team has taken to calling the Carver Litchfield Project: a historically accurate storytelling initiative centered on the wartime letters of these two Union soldier brothers. Their writings capture firsthand experiences of major battles, including action with the famed Michigan Cavalry during engagements like Gettysburg and the Shenandoah Valley campaigns. The letters also recount personal interactions with General Custer, admiration for President Lincoln, frustrations with the chain of command, and the heartbreak of war.

Since that discovery, a small team of young historians have worked to bring their story back to life with accuracy, emotion, and accessibility. Attendees will learn how these primary sources offer a vivid and often surprising window into the Civil War while exploring broader themes like brotherhood, leadership, national division, and what it means to be American. The presentation will also highlight how the team has combined traditional research with enhanced visuals and educational storytelling to better connect the past with the present.

Bonus: Free E-Book Access
Interested attendees will have the opportunity to download a free e-book prior to the event, featuring select transcribed letters from the collection.  Check back for link as we get closer to event.

Speaker Bio:
Ryan Curley is the founder of the Carver Litchfield Project and the one who uncovered the story during a walk through a cemetery near his childhood home in Marshfield, Massachusetts. He has a background in entrepreneurship and marketing, which he uses to make history accessible and emotionally engaging for modern audiences.

He collaborates closely with Sydney Legace, founder of Lakes Region Curation, a historical research and curation firm. Sydney leads a team of talented young historians and transcribers who are dedicated to preserving and bringing to life first hand stories from American history.