Noted historian and prolific author Tom Huntington presents a talk about his book, “Searching for George Gordon Meade: The Forgotten Victor of Gettysburg,” at 1 p.m. Feb. 27, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown.

“Tom Huntington’s book brings to life the Union general who won the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg only three days after taking command,” said Joseph Garrera, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum. “It’s a fascinating and dramatic story that is well-known yet in many ways been largely overlooked.”

Huntington, in his talk, “My Search for Meade,” will chronicle his investigation into Meade’s vanishing reputation. Huntington became fascinated with General Meade after reading an article on forgotten Civil War generals. In addition to studying historical documents, Huntington visited museums and battlefields, talking to park rangers, curators, and preservationists.

Meade (1815-1872) graduated from West Point and fought in the Mexican-American War. He received command of the dysfunctional Union Army of the Potomac only three days before winning the pivotal battle of Gettysburg, and he remained the Army’s leader until it was dissolved June 28, 1865.

Almost immediately, Meade’s reputation began to be eclipsed by sniping from less talented, more politically-ambitious colleagues. Before his death, Meade wrote to his wife, ruefully, “I suppose after awhile it will be discovered I was not Gettysburg at all.” Prominent Civil War historian James McPherson notes that Tom Huntington’s book “does a great deal to redress that historical injustice.”

Huntington has authored four books and is the former editor of American History and Historic Traveler magazines. His articles have appeared in The Smithsonian, Air & Space, American Heritage, Invention & Technology, British Heritage and Yankee.

Copies of Huntington’s book, “Searching for George Gordon Meade,” will be available for purchase, and the author will sign copies following his talk.

Information: 610-435-1074