Fort Sumter's Historic Civil War-Era Flags To Be 'Rested' For Conservation

From National Park Traveler Sept 12, 2023

The 33-star U.S. flag is one of several flags at Fort Sumter to go into storage for a while/NPS file

In an effort to help preserve the life of Civil War-era flags, several flags at Fort Sumter Fort Moultrie National Historical Park in South Carolina will be removed from the park museum and stored in the dark for a period time to rest.

Fort Sumter’s historic Civil War-era flag collection consists of the Palmetto Guard, the United States 33-star storm, and United States 33-star garrison flags. They will be removed from public display for an indefinite period beginning September 19. It is anticipated that the removal will take two days and the Fort Sumter Museum will be closed during this time.   

The historic flags need to be rested for their long-term preservation, a park release said. The exhibition of textile artifacts like flags must limit humidity fluctuations and prevent long-term irreversible light damage that make them progressively more fragile. While all the flags underwent conservation prior to display in the museums, they have been on display for more than 20 years. Despite taking great care to protect the artifacts, they are best preserved when stored in a clean, dark, cool, and dry environment for periods of rest, the release added. 

The United States garrison flag flew over Fort Sumter until it sustained wind damage the night of April 11, 1861. It was replaced by the smaller United States storm flag that endured a 34-hour bombardment from Confederate artillery that precipitated the beginning of the American Civil War. The Palmetto Guard flag was the first Confederate flag to fly over the fort after the departure of the United States Army on April 14, 1861. 

NPS Proposes To Raze Old Buildings At Harpers Ferry NHP

From National Parks Traveler

The National Park Service is proposing to raze the Henkle farmhouse and four other structures at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia/LOC

Five post-Civil War structures within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia that are in dilapidated condition would be razed under a proposal the National Park Service has opened to public comment.

The structures, located in a wooded area on Schoolhouse Ridge South about a mile south of Route 340 along Millville Road, are in a severe state of disrepair and pose a serious safety hazard to visitors and staff, according to the Park Service.

Through this project, the park staff would remove the structures while leaving the foundations and any contributing cultural landscape features in place, including ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers.

By removing these buildings, the existing landscape will more closely resemble the battlefield cultural landscape of the Battle of Harpers Ferry in 1862.  

Jacob “Furl” Henkle built his house and established Henkle Farm sometime after 1906, Park Service records show. The family then sold the property to the Standard Lime & Stone Company. The company likely built the dairy barn, milk house, silo, and shed/corn crib after 1920. The Standard Lime & Stone Company abandoned the farm in the 1950s, and it has since sat vacant and unused. 

Comments on the proposal are being taken through September 22. You can learn more about the project and leave your comments at this website.

These roads will be closed at Gettysburg National Military Park for work

From ACC27.com

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (WHTM)– Parts of Gettysburg National Military Park will be closed in the upcoming months for road work.

Repaving for park roads west and north of Gettysburg (Day 1 Battlefield) and the East Cavalry battlefield will start on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

The project will go on for three months and during that time there will be road closures mainly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. as work goes on Sunday through Thursday. Friday is reserved as a rain date.

No work will also done on federal holidays or during the weekend.

Below are the roads scheduled to be repaved:

• Oak Ridge parking area: September 5-7 with striping to follow. 

• Eternal Light Peace Memorial parking area: September 5-8 and 10-14 (Friday work is required due to the Labor Day federal holiday) with striping to follow. 

• North Confederate Avenue: September 14-18 with shoulder work to follow. 

• Doubleday/Wadsworth Avenues: September 18-20 with shoulder work to follow. 

• Buford Avenue: September 20-22 with shoulder work and striping to follow. 

• Reynolds Avenue: September 22-26 with shoulder work and striping to follow. 

• West End Guide Station parking area: September 26-27 with striping to follow. 

• Stone/Meredith Avenues: September 27-29 with shoulder work and striping to follow. 

• Howard Avenue: September 29 to October 4 with shoulder work and striping to follow. 

• Jones-Battalion Avenue: October 4-5. 

Local York County brewpub expanding; opening at new historic location

For the East Cavalry battlefield roadwork will occur throughout the day leaving the below roads closed:

• United States Calvary Avenue: From October 16-23. 

• Confederate Calvary/Gregg Avenues: From October 23 to November 9. 

For more information regarding the upcoming replacement project for the park can be found online at its website.

New Exhibit at American Civil War Museum in Richmond

Check out all the details and more articles at the ACWM website:

On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln’s Final Emancipation Proclamation authorized “persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States.” As a result, the regiments of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) were formed, and the fight to save the Union also became their fight for citizenship. During the last two years of the war, these regiments led by white officers, fought in numerous actions, and major battles. More than 185,000 men served in the USCT by the war’s end, making up about 10% of the Union Army. 

The artifacts featured in Beyond Valor have never been on display, and are either directly connected to the regiments involved in the Battle of Forks Road or are items that were typically used by USCT soldiers. Objects directly associated with USCT soldiers are exceedingly rare.

Beyond Valor is a result of a collaboration with the Cameron Art Museum (CAM) Boundless art installation and the call for descendants of the 1st, 5th, 10th, 27th, and 37th USCT who fought in the Battle of Forks Road in February of 1865, where the CAM stands today. At this intersection of art and history, the Museum highlights the stories that embody the bravery and agency of the United States Colored Troops.

Andrew Johnson in Philadelphia, August 28, 1866

G.A.R. Museum & Library Open House IN PERSON
Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 1:00pm
Church Hall
Holmesburg Methodist Church

 Andrew Johnson in Philadelphia, August 28, 1866

Description

The city authorities of Philadelphia had vetoed a civic reception and the mayor (Morton McMichael) had ostentatiously departed on a vacation; but a monster welcome had been organized privately. General Meade at the head of a military delegation escorted the commander-in-chief to the Continental Hotel, where Johnson was to speak and remain overnight. The factual Associated Press reported the streets bright with flags and streamers, but The Tribune (New York) insisted they were "bare and destitute of ornament", the sole display at the hotel being "six small and particularly dirty flags...stuck out of a chambermaids' window."

Johnson's speech in Philadelphia was a plea for national unity. "Forget that we have been divided into parties," he urged. "Let the interests of the great mass of people be promoted, and let parties sink into insignificance." And don't worry about politicians, "for when the people get right, the politicians are very accommodating." 

Michael Wunsch BIO

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Michael Wunsch has been a resident of Northeast Philadelphia since 1966, having graduated from Northeast High School, and La Salle College (1980, B.S. Business Administration), he currently live in Fox Chase, Philadelphia, and is employed by a Social Services company, Delta Community Supports.

Michael’s presentation is titled 'Andrew Johnson's Swing Around the Circle, August - September, 1866', the talk includes an overview of the 'Union Party' Johnson administrations' post-Civil War Reconstruction policy in relation to the Northern States, and that of the former Confederacy, and the fierce opposition to Johnsons' 'policy' from elements of the 'Radical' Congress, politicians, and the press, Johnson's train tour, the stated purpose of which was to attend the dedication of the Stephen Douglas Monument, in Chicago, Illinois, however, the 'Campaign Swing' quickly took on a different form, one that Andrew Johnson, historians contend, never recovered from politically. 

The presentation includes eyewitness and newspaper accounts of this controversial and contentious 'campaign undertaking', between August 27 and September 15, 1866,  an arduous trip that stretched rom "Washington, D.C. to New York, including Philadelphia, west to Chicago, south to St. Louis, and east through the Ohio River valley and back to the nation's capital.", as President Johnson tried to gain support for his mild Reconstruction policies and his preferred candidates in the forthcoming midterm Congressional elections. 

Michael has been speaking publicly on topics related to Abraham Lincoln, Civil War politics, and Philadelphia Civil War history since 2002, in addition to ‘The Honorable John Paul Verree, A Fox Chase Life, 1817-1889, currently his presentations include ‘The National Union Party Convention, Baltimore, Maryland, June 6-7, 1864,  ‘Abraham Lincoln & the Great Central Sanitary Fair, Philadelphia, June 16, 1864’, ‘City of Jubilee, Philadelphia and the Surrender of Robert E. Lee’, and ‘Mob Scene at the Palmetto Flag, A Secessionist Newspaper, Philadelphia, April 13, 1861’.

He is a member of the Delaware Valley CWRT, the GAR Civil War Museum & Library, and the Lincoln Forum, and currently serves (Since 1998) as Corresponding Secretary of the General Meade Society of Philadelphia, an educational 501c3 organization devoted to Major General George Meade’s memory and service to the nation.. www.generalmeadesociety.org

Michael has presented locally at the GAR Museum & Library, in Frankford, the Union League of Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley CWRT, also at the Ryerss Museum & Library, and the Northeast Regional Library, as well as Civil War Round Tables in Gettysburg and York, PA, Cape May Court House, Camden, and Hamilton, NJ, and Wilmington, DE, and others. 

This passage is from The First President Johnson, page 486, by Lately Thomas, 1968, there are much more detailed accounts of Andrew Johnson's time in Philadelphia on August 28, 1866 in the newspapers, but this is a good, brief overview. 

Please send a request to reserve a virtual seat for this outstanding presentation by replying to this e-mail at

garmuslib1866@gmail.com 

You will be sent a link with a password that will enable you to access the program within 24 hours of the start of the presentation. 

As a lover of history, you know how critical it is to keep history alive, especially today!  We very much appreciate your continued support for the GAR Civil War Museum & Library

A FREE virtual program online via zoom for those who can not attend in  person

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM & LIBRARY
In its new location:
8110 Frankford Ave. (Holmesburg - N.E. Philadelphia)
 • www.garmuslib.org

Civil War Miniatures Exhibition To Raise Funds For Civil War Flag August 19-20

From National Parks Traveler
August 8, 2023

The Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg Foundation will partner with the Artist Preservation Group for its upcoming miniatures exhibition at the military park's Museum and Visitor Center on August 19-20 to raise funds to enable the park to conserve the 2nd North Carolina Infantry flag.

The APG has been a long-time supporter of artifact conservation for the military park's museum collection. The main effort of the miniatures exhibition will focus on educating visitors about the history of the Civil War, the interpretation of the conflict through miniature art, and the material culture used by both sides in the conflict.

The funds raised by APG will allow for exhibition of the 2nd North Carolina Infantry flag in the park’s museum galleries. A new conservation treatment will include unmounting the flag from its current support, removal of old encapsulation and underlays, documentation, custom dying of new underlays/overlays for improved appearance and protection, prepare a new mount and reframe — all of which will allow the public to better view and understand the events surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg, along with researchers' understanding the typology of Army of Northern Virginia’s battle flags.

The flag has the typical physical characteristics of third bunting issue flags produced by the Richmond Clothing Bureau from British-produced wool bunting for issuance to the Army of Northern Virginia in May 1863. The physical characteristics and visible battle honors suggest a likelihood the regiment carried this flag at Gettysburg.

APG is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization of like-minded historical artists whose mission is to generate capital, through fundraising and donations, to aide in the preservation and restoration of threatened historical sites and/or artifacts. They use their artistic talents to support historical sites as they continue their dedication to the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of events that shaped history.

NPS's $2.2 Million Battlefield Protection Program

Battlefields in Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and Virginia are protecting a combined 238 acres through the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program.

Deep in the heart of the Chickamauga Battlefield, the forest appears as it most likely did during the Civil War/American Battlefield Trust

from National Parks Traveler 8-1-23

Grants totaling $2.2 million are being used to purchase the acreage in the states, according to a Park Service release.

State and local governments spearhead projects funded by ABPP grants to protect significant battlefield landscapes that are vital to the shared history of their communities and the nation. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, which reinvests revenue from offshore oil and natural gas leasing to help strengthen conservation and recreation opportunities across the nation, makes these awards possible.  

During the Civil War, the mountainous terrain of southern Tennessee and northern Georgia was a landscape of concern for both armies of the North and the South as they competed for access to supplies, reliable communication, as well as control of the rail hub and iron works of Chattanooga. Nestled in the mountains of Georgia, Chickamauga Battlefield’s legacy is one of bravery and courage. Farmers, merchants and other regular folk comprised the troops that fought valiantly in the name of patriotism. Nearly 160 years later, the preservation of these lands honors their lives and sacrifice. The property preserved today remains wooded as it was during the Civil War. The conservation easement will ensure the land will remain hallowed and honored by the bravery and commitment to patriotism shown by those who fought.  

The awards are to: 

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources, $172,133.16 for preservation of 4.08 acres at Chickamauga Battlefield in Catoosa County, Georgia. 

• Mississippi Department of Archives and History, $367,926.00 for preservation of 94.5 acres at Brice’s Cross Roads Battlefield in Prentiss County, Mississippi. 

• Mississippi Department of Archives and History, $231,805.00 for preservation of 1.5 acres at Chickasaw Bayou Battlefield in Warren County, Mississippi. 

• North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, $257,605.00 for preservation of 86.36 acres at Wyse Fork Battlefield in Jones and Lenoir Counties, North Carolina. 

• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, $429,372.50 for preservation of 7.36 acres at Cedar Mountain Battlefield in Culpeper County, Virginia. 

• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, $605,750 for preservation of 41 acres at Malvern Hill Battlefield in Henrico County, Virginia. 

• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, $153,464.87 for preservation of 3 acres at Reams Station Battlefield in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. 

The story of Brevet Lt Col Alexander Thomas Augusta, M.D. August 6th via Zoom

THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (G.A.R.) CIVIL WAR MUSEUM & ARCHIVE

Presents a New Program via ZOOM 
   Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 1:00pm

The story of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Thomas Augusta, M.D.

He was the U. S. Army's first African-American physician (of a total of eight) and its highest-ranking African-American officer at the time. He was also appointed to lead the Freedman's Hospital in Washington, D.C., in 1863, becoming the first black hospital administrator in U.S. history. Later he served as Surgeon of the 7th U.S.C.T. Regiment.

 He was a physician, businessman, and Civil Rights icon. He was the first person of African descent to be commissioned regimental surgeon with the rank of Major in the Union army. He had to overcome many obstacles to become a physician and later a regimental surgeon. It is my sincere desire that this presentation will introduce you to, and/or enhance your knowledge of Dr. Augusta. Also, it is important to understand the problems that he faced while delivering " faithful and meritorious service" to his nation and his people. 

BIO - Michael A. Hill, M.D.

Native Washingtonian raised in Northeast D.C. Graduated Saint Andrew's School, Middletown, DE 1971 (Featured in the movie: Dead Poets Society) Graduated Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts 1975 BA Medical School: George Washington University, Washington D.C. 1979 M.D. Internship and residency, Internal Medicine: The Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. 1979 to 1982

Chief Medical Resident, Washington Hospital Center 1982 to 1983. Diplomat, National Board of Medical Examiners 1980 to Present Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine 1984 to Present. Internal Medicine practice Philadelphia, PA 1983 to 1986. Internal Medicine practice Washington, D.C Capital Area Permanente Medical Group. 1986 to 1988. Internal Medicine Humana Group Health Plan, Washington, D.C. 1989 to 1994. Staff physician, later Medical Director, Bethlehem Steel/ Sparrow's Point Division (Baltimore) 1994 to 2003. Staff Physician and Center Medical Director, Concentra Medical Center/Urgent Care, various offices in the Baltimore/Washington area, 2003 to 2019. Retired, March 2019.  Civil War Reenactor since March 1989. Participated in the filming of the movie "Glory" and " Sommersby" Given multiple lectures on Civil War Medicine during living histories and at schools. Lectured a class at Columbia Union College on Religion and the Civil War.

Please send a request to reserve a virtual seat for this outstanding presentation by replying to this e-mail at garmuslib1866@gmail.com 

You will be sent a link with a password that will enable you to access the program within 24 hours of the start of the presentation.

We will make every effort to reply, but G-Mail may be slow and our volunteer may be called away during the day before or the morning of August 6

As a lover of history, you know how critical it is to keep history alive, especially today!  We very much appreciate your continued support for the GAR Civil War Museum & Library

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM & ARCHIVE
8110 Frankford Ave. (Holmesburg - N.E. Philadelphia)

Open on Tuesdays from 11 to 4.
 • www.garmuslib.org

Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at 5 p.m. ~ An "After-Hours" Program on Rare Artifacts at GBMP

Gettysburg, Pa. (July 13, 2023)—Join the Gettysburg Foundation at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at 5 p.m. for an "after-hours" program on rare artifacts cared for in the archives of the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War. Area residents and visitors to Gettysburg are invited to experience “An Evening with the Artifacts“ for an exclusive, close-up look at artifacts of the American Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg Foundation president and CEO, author and historian Wayne E. Motts will kick off the new series, presenting rare and one-of-a-kind artifacts in this exclusive behind-the-scenes program. 

The program series features artifacts from the Gettysburg Foundation’s collections formerly owned by the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia, as well as Civil War related three-dimensional items – some of which have never before been on display to the public. Selections to observe during the series come from holdings that include artifacts belonging to George Meade, Ulysses S. Grant and Jefferson Davis, to name a few.

During this new program series, guests can hear the stories and learn about the connections these artifacts have to the people, places and events in our nation’s history. Ticket holders are welcome to enjoy additional time to view these remarkable, authentic Civil War treasures in person. There will be time for a question and answer session during the presentation.

Limited to 50 attendees, the special presentation takes place in the Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center inside the Museum & Visitor Center. To purchase tickets for “An Evening with the Artifacts,” call 717-334-2436 or visit GettysburgFoundation.org. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at the Ticket Counter in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, Pa.

Manor College's Civil War Institute presents Via ZOOM "Civil War Medicine" Wed, July 12

The doctors and nurses who treated sick and wounded soldiers faced a daunting task: Antibiotics and the science of bacteriology didn’t exist; crude sanitation and polluted water were deadly. More Civil War soldiers died of disease than of battle wounds. Military doctors had to become medical explorers. And why were there so many amputations?

 If you've ever attended a program or class presented by the popular lecturer Herb Kaufman, you know how interesting his programs are, and how he has a way of ferreting out the unusual stories and incidents of whatever topic he is discussing. As you may know, Herb is an expert on the medical history of the Civil War, and his programs on this topic are always popular and always entertaining.

And as a lover of history, you know how critical it is to keep history alive, especially today! 

We would love to have your support, as we look to continue to make these programs available. Invite a friend!

Please access https://manor.edu/academics/adult-continuing-education/history-institute/  to register for this program.  You will be sent a link with a password that will enable you to access the virtual program. A reminder email will be sent again within 24 hours of the start of the class.

For more information or to sign up via email or phone, please contact coned@manor.edu or call 215-884-2218