Steward Henderson: Thankful For . . .
I would like to express my gratitude to Archive Technician Jesse Wilinski at the National Archives.
I have known Jesse for at least 13 years because he volunteered at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, where I work. Before I knew that he worked at the National Archives, I knew that he helped our park with information retrieved from their files. Many of our historians and rangers would go to the Archives, and Jesse would help them with their research.
About three years ago, when I asked Jesse about a file at the Archives, he informed me of the way I could get information I needed. He knew I had co-founded the 23rd Regiment United States Colored Troops and would contact me about files that he completed about some of the men that were in the original regiment. Then COVID consumed the nation. In 2022, I requested a record from Jesse that had not been completed yet, the muster file of Col. John Wayles Jefferson. Once the government began to get back to work, Jesse finished it for me. I now use the information Jesse sent me in many of my talks and presentations—plus I learned how much information he has furnished for the park. Jesse has been a treasure for us.
In addition, Jesse travels to various national parks and battlefields and takes pictures and videos that he posts to his Facebook page, educating his viewers about the importance of their history and preservation.
Jesse is a huge contributor to the education and preservation of our national park system. He has made contributions to many Civil War historians through the copies of historical documents that he provides. I thank you, Jesse, for the contributions you have made to me and the Civil War historians you have assisted!
