Finding R H Weakley

We’ve all heard the expression if walls could talk, but what about historic firearms? What would they have to say about the battles they were in and the soldiers they were issued to? Join Park Ranger Susan Ashman as she highlights one of these rifles – an 1856 British Enfield used during the Civil War with the initials “R.H. Weakley” carved into the stock. Through in-depth research, find out more about the tragic story of Pvt. Weakley – another soldier that could have been lost to history.

Susan Ashman is the Lead Parker Ranger and Historic Supervisor at Springfield Armory NHS. She previously worked at Old Sturbridge as an historic interpreter and was an aircraft mechanic for 8 years in the U.S. Air Force. Susan has given many presentations to Civil War Round Tables, the Civil War Institute in Gettysburg and multiple locations in New England.