Civil War Expert To Speak At Mattatuck Museum May 26th

Connecticut’s Role in the

American Civil War

   The Mattatuck Museum will host Dr. Matthew Warshauer, author of Connecticut in the American Civil War: Slavery, Sacrifice and Survival, on Thursday May 26, 2011 at 5:30pm. Dr. Warshauer is a Professor of History at Central Connecticut State University and co-chair of the Connecticut Civil War Commemoration Commission.

   He will discuss his new book as well as the plans that are underway for the state’s 150th anniversary of the war. Although most may not immediately think of Connecticut when considering the Civil War, the state was extremely involved in the conflict. We sent more than 30 regiments to the front, had an extensive industrial capacity, and an active home front. Connecticut is also home to more than 130 Civil War monuments.

   Connecticut in the American Civil War offers a remarkable window into the state’s involvement in a conflict that challenged and defined the unity of our nation. The war is followed through the many facets and stories of battlefield, home front, and factory. The varied attitudes toward slavery and race before, during, and after the war are revealed. Connecticut’s reaction to the firing on Fort Sumter; the dissent in the state over whether or not the sword and musket should be raised against the South; the raising of troops; the sacrifice of those who served on the front and at home; and the need for closure after the war are all discussed.

   Admission to Looks at Connecticut’s Role in the American Civil War is free for museum members and $10 for non-members. Join the museum to immediately qualify for the member discount. Please register in advance at www.MattatuckMuseum.org or by calling (203) 753-0381 ext. 10. 

   For more information on all of the museum’s programs, events, and exhibits visit the website at www.mattatuckmuseum.org or call us at (203) 753-0381. The Mattatuck Museum is operated with support from the Connecticut Commission on Cultural & Tourism, and is a member of the Connecticut Art Trail, fifteen world-class museums and historic sites (www.arttrail.org). Located at 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.  Convenient, free parking is located behind the museum on Park Place.