October 20, 2026

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Kellie had spent several years researching the story behind The Swope Manor, a Gettysburg B&B where she had been staying regularly, and writing a book about it. She became fascinated by the stories of the lives that intersected under the roof of this elegant house that stood during the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. She was especially moved by the rich background story of Lt. William H. Pohlman, an officer from the 59th New York who was wounded during Pickett’s Charge and died tragically two and a half weeks later at the Swope mansion, after his recovery looked promising. Here at this house lived Gettysburg’s wealthiest family: the Swopes, who included two bank presidents, a congressman, and a doctor.

The result of Kellie’s research is the passion project called “Cease Firing!” Life and Death at The Swope Manor,” now in its second edition. At her Civil War Roundtable presentations, Kellie tells the story about Lt. Pohlman, the Swope family, and the many incarnations of their house dating back to the 18th century. She will read many of Pohlman’s eloquent letters to home from the battlefields, and tell the story of the Civil War from this 14-battle veteran’s point of view.

Kellie 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.