Leadership Gillespie County Explores History and Culture

Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post

The 2024 class of Leadership Gillespie County (LGC) met at the National Museum of the Pacific War to learn about the history and culture of Fredericksburg. Pictured on the bottom row, from left, are Heather McCarver, Mike Bolick, DeDe Threadgill, Ann Duecker, Shane Harvey, Braxton Roemer, Amber Saidler, Justin Calhoun, Jacob Sechelski, Scott Hudson, Robert Schwing and Reid Cain. Pictured from top left are Robin Barnes, Shelby Collier, Kyna Stys, Emily Mochan and Kelby Berry. Not pictured is Casie Ward. — Submitted photo

The 2024 class of Leadership Gillespie County (LGC) participated in their second session on Oct. 4, beginning with breakfast provided by Ewald Kubota.

Class members Ann Duecker, Shane Harvey, Scott Hudson, Heather McCarver and Kyna Stys planned a full day of informational activities focusing on history and culture.

The day began with a visit to the National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW) where a presentation by the Outreach Coordinator was given during breakfast. The class watched the Battlefields, Flames and Bringing History to Life performance by the Education Team of the NMPW where tanks, flame throwers and other historical artifacts were made available during the experience.

The class then walked to Der Stadt Friedhof where local historian Glenn Treibs gave a tour of the historic cemetery.

The class returned to the Ruff House at 508 E. Austin St. for lunch and a leadership discussion based on a video created by the Gillespie County Historical Society depicting the origins of Fredericksburg, specifically focusing on John O. Meusebach’s role and the first peoples to journey to the area.

After lunch, the class met at the Church of Colored People of Gillespie County for a presentation by Dr. Paul Phillips regarding the experiences of the African American families in Fredericksburg, including the history of the church and schoolhouse.

Afterward, the class traveled to Pioneer Memorial Library for a meeting with Amy Beicker, author of Main Street Mockingbirds, an interactive children’s book highlighting many of Fredericksburg’s notable buildings.

At 3 p.m., after a walk to the Vereins Kirche, the class met with multiple museum staff who gave a tour of the property, ending with a self-guided tour of the Historic County Jail.

The class recessed to Becker Main Street Tasting room for a happy hour and to discuss the day’s events.