The Gunn Memorial Museum’s exhibit, Letters From the Battlefield: Stories of Washington’s Civil War Soldiers, in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, will be open for viewing for all of the following programs. The exhibit ends on October 30, 2011.
Sunday September 25 at 1pm – Popular Music of the Civil War with the Virginia Serenaders
Inspired by an 1840s group, tunes soldiers of the North and South learned as part of their shared experience will be performed on antique and reproduction instruments providing an authentic sound. A blend of historical research mixed with lively interpretation, these musicians regularly perform for historical groups and will transport us back in time with their performance.
Sunday October 9 at 2pm – Connecticut at Antietam with Antietam National Battlefield Historian, Keven Walker
Twelve Washington men fought at the battle of Antietam in Sharpsburg, Maryland. It is known as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history with about 23,000 casualties. Learn about what these men faced and endured in one of the Civil War’s signature battles. This presentation is not to be missed!
Saturday October 15 from 12-3pm – Civil War Artifact Appraisal Day with Dealer and Exhibit Guest Curator, Thomas Zanavich
Thomas has been collecting Civil War material for over 25 years and assembled the extraordinary artifacts on display in our exhibit. Come discover the history and value of your Civil War artifact. Registration is required.
Saturday October 22 at 1pmThe Life and Times of William Webb:An African-American Civil War Soldier from Connecticut
Kevin Johnson, of the Connecticut State Library History and Genealogy Unit, will present a compelling first person living history performance illustrating the struggles of African American soldiers during the Civil War.
Friday October 28 from 6:30-8:30pm, 4th Annual Washington Green Cemetery Tour – Civil War Themed
Tour the Washington Green Cemetery and learn about the lives of the people buried there through first person, costumed narratives. This year we focus on the impact of the Civil War as we honor Washington’s Civil War soldiers. Volunteers needed, please call the Museum to help. Sponsored by The Connecticut Community Foundation.
Sunday October 30 at 11:30am A Jezebel Among Us with Lynne McKenney Lydick
Our exhibit, Letters from the Battlefield, closes with a look at the anti-slavery controversy that raged in Washington in the years before the war. 171 years ago Quaker Pacifist Abby Kelley Foster spoke publicly at the Congregational Church in Washington. Learn about her shocking visit during this first-person living history performance. The presentation at the First Congregational Church (at 6 Kirby Rd. on Washington Green) will be followed by a closing reception in the Museum.
The cemetery tour is sponsored by The Connecticut Community Foundation and all of the other programs are made possible due to the support of The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut.
The Museum is open Thursday – Saturday, 10-4pm and Sunday, 12-4pm and is located at 5 Wykeham Road, at the intersection of Wykeham Road and Route 47, on Washington Green. Free admission, donations appreciated. Call the Museum at 860-868-7756 or view www.gunnlibrary.org for information.