ECW Honors Brian Swartz and Patrick Kelly-Fischer with Upton Award
Emerging Civil War has selected Brian Swartz and Patrick Kelly-Fischer as the co-recipients of its 2025 Emory Upton Award. The award is presented to a member of the Emerging Civil War (ECW) community in recognition of outstanding service to ECW.
For the first time, ECW is honoring two recipients in one year because Brian and Patrick tag-team some of the most important duties within the organization.
While Brian and Patrick both have their writing niches on ECW’s blog, most of their work on behalf of the organization goes on behind the scenes. As co-editors of the blog, they schedule and double-check every article before it goes live on the website.
“A blog like ECW always needs content. You have to feed the beast. These guys always make sure the beast gets fed,” says ECW’s Editor in Chief Chris Mackowski. “The managing editors also have to play traffic cop, oversee quality control, and run a tight ship—and almost all of it happens behind the scenes. It can be a daunting role, and if everything is working properly, then you never even know they’re there.”
“Pat brings to the role extensive professional knowledge of digital communication. Brian brings decades of editorial experience from his days as a print journalist. Together, they have made a formidable team. Operations run so effectively. They make it seem like some kind of smooth ballet.”
ECW Vice President Neil P. Chatelain works closely with both managing editors in his capacity as editorial board chair. “Brian and Patrick are both invaluable members of the Emerging Civil War Team,” Chatelain says. “Their work helps keep the website operating each day so everyone can enjoy what Emerging Civil War has to offer. Without their effort, the ECW website simply would not function.”
Besides keeping the website schedule organized and flowing, both continue with additional organizational responsibilities.
Patrick helps organize and plan each question of the week. “These questions help our audience engage more with one another, and help to make Emerging Civil War feel like a real community,” Chatelain notes. Brian’s other efforts include serving as a critical member of ECW’s editorial board, helping to evaluate the work of guest authors. “Brian’s professional eye as a retired newspaper editor helps keep the editorial board operating,” Chatelain explains. “His efforts there help us mentor emerging voices in the field, a critical mission of the organization.”
Brian Swartz
The Upton Award is named for Brig. Gen. Emory Upton, a member of the West Point Class of 1861 who earned a reputation in the U.S. Army as an innovator. Previous recipients include Tim Talbott, Chris Heisy, Dan Welch, Paige Gibbons Backus, Rob Orrison, Sarah Kay Bierle, Kris White, Jennifer Mackowski, and Chris Mackowski.
You can read full biographies for both Brian Swartz and Patrick Kelly-Fischer here.
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About Emerging Civil War
Emerging Civil War is the collaborative effort of more than thirty historians committed to sharing the story of the Civil War in an accessible way to the general public. Founded in 2011 by Chris Mackowski, Jake Struhelka, and Kristopher D. White, Emerging Civil War features public and academic historians of diverse backgrounds and interests, while also providing a platform for emerging voices in the field. Initiatives include the award-winning Emerging Civil War Series of books published by Savas Beatie, LLC; an annual symposium; a speakers’ bureau; and a daily blog: www.emergingcivilwar.com.
Emerging Civil War is recognized by the I.R.S. as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.
I am not as familiar with Brian Swartz, but Neil Chatelain has gone the extra mile to edit and offer suggestions to my firs, and so far only, submission to the ECW. It has been quite a learning curve, so his efforts are much appreciated. I read the ECW daily so the work both Niel and Brian must do is astounding. Kudos!