CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the appointment of five individuals to the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission. The 13-member commission is comprised of representatives from the Legislature, key state agencies, historians and scholars.

"As the only state born from a nation torn, West Virginia has a unique history and perspective regarding the Civil War," Gov. Tomblin said. "Each of the five individuals I have appointed to the commission will further enhance the commission's mission through their specialized knowledge and skills."

The mission of the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission is to promote awareness and celebrate the unique creation of the State of West Virginia, the role of its citizens during the Civil War era, and the continuing effect of the war on our people.

The following individuals have been named:

Marie Foster Gnage, Ph.D., of Parkersburg is the President of West Virginia University at Parkersburg and a published author. She will serve as a citizen member.

Kevin Barksdale, Ph.D., of Barboursville is a published author and Assistant Professor of American History, specializing in Appalachian and West Virginia History, at Marshall University. He will serve as an academic historian.

Brandon Kirk of Chapmanville is a published author and instructor of History, specializing in American History, at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. He will serve as a citizen member.

Hunter Lesser of Elkins is a consulting archaeologist and published author of more than fifty publications on archaeology and history, including those on the Civil War. He will serve as a citizen member.

Aaron Sheehan-Dean, Ph.D., of Morgantown is a published author of Civil War history and the future Eberly Family Professor of Civil War Studies, as well as an Associate Professor, at West Virginia University. He will serve as an academic historian.

Each of the five appointees succeeds previous commission members.