Who is Joshua Chamberlain?

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“The power of noble deeds is to be preserved and passed on to the future.” – Joshua Chamberlain

Joshua Chamberlain was an icon of civic responsibility, the very embodiment of the ideals Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge strives to inspire. A professor at Bowdoin College in Maine, Chamberlain volunteered with the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment at the outbreak of the Civil War, accepting an appointment as lieutenant colonel.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, Chamberlain became a national hero when, out of ammunition, he ordered a bayonet charge that saved the Union’s left flank at Little Round Top. His actions that day earned him the United States’ highest military award for valor – the Medal of Honor. As commander of the troops that formally accepted the surrender of Robert E. Lee’s army at Appomattox, he ordered his men to salute their fellow Americans.

After the war, Chamberlain went home to Maine, where he served four terms as governor before returning to the classroom. He later served as president of Bowdoin, helped found an institution for the blind, and wrote his memoirs. At age 70, he volunteered to return to military service in the Spanish-American War.

Joshua Chamberlain demonstrated the civic virtues we hold dear – accountability, respect, generosity, participation, and productivity.

Exclusive Resources

By joining the Joshua Chamberlain League, you help Freedoms Foundation motivate more young people to become the responsible citizens our democratic republic needs. Other benefits include:

  • Support teachers who come to Freedoms Foundation’s seminars
  • Preference to apply for graduate programs before they open to the public
  • Full access to an archive of recorded lectures by speakers at Freedoms Foundation
  • Joshua Chamberlain League lapel pin and membership card
  • Freedoms Foundation challenge coin (Appomattox level members)
  • Biography of Joshua Chamberlain (Appomattox level members)
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Membership Fees

For just a dime a day, you can help pay it forward so other teachers can participate in next summer’s programs. An annual membership fee of just $36 will make a significant difference. Simply contact us or attend a seminar to join.

Levels:

  • Gettysburg Level Membership $36/year
  • Appomattox Level Membership $150/year

Donate Today

Supporting America’s first principles of freedom is essential to ensure future generations understand and cherish the blessings of liberty. With your donation, we will reach even more young people with the truth of America’s unique past, its promising future, and the liberty for which it stands. Help us prepare the next generation of leaders.