Melvan Tibbetts wasn’t a famous figure, just a young man writing home during his time in Florida during the Civil War. But the 20 letters he sent back to his family in Maine let us see who he was: thoughtful, funny, homesick, enthusiastic, and full of personality. In this talk, we’ll get to know Melvan through his own words and explore how much life and character can be captured in a simple letter. It’s a reminder that even everyday documents can bring the past vividly (and personally) to life.