GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Local historian and author Debra Sandoe McCauslin will speak at a lunch and learn presentation on “Historical Kidnappings of Gettysburg,” Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Robert C. Hoffman Community Room of the Gettysburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College.

McCauslin will discuss the 18th century kidnappings of early settlers by native tribes, as well as the 19th century kidnappings and attempted kidnappings of free African-Americans. This revived topic was sparked by the Academy Award nominated film “12 Years a Slave.”

McCauslin has presented to historical societies and Civil War roundtables throughout the region. Among her publications is “Reconstructing the Past: Puzzle of a Lost Community,” which traces the history of the residents of Yellow Hill. “Black Settlement on Yellow Hill,” co-authored with Alisha Sanders, appeared in Pennsylvania Heritage magazine. Her work has also been published by the Adams County Historical Society, the Gettysburg Times and Gettysburg Experience magazine. McCauslin also produced the documentary “Adams County USA,” seen on local PBS stations. A descendant of George Washington Sandoe, the first soldier to fall at the Battle of Gettysburg, McCauslin provided research for the story of his life written by T. W. Burger.

The “Historical Kidnappings of Gettysburg” lunch and learn program is sponsored by the Office of Student Life and Multicultural Programs.

For additional information, contact Jessica Knouse, student life and multicultural programs coordinator, at 717-339-3536 or email jlknouse@hacc.edu.

HACC’s Gettysburg Campus is located on 731 Old Harrisburg Road.