Article in the Eagle Times - Our Civil War exhibit

Article in the Eagle Times 6/21/13

"Museum brings back exhibit for Civil War anniversary"

By CHRIS GAROFOLO Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Art & Historical Society held its annual First Night Reception yesterday, reopening the downtown Miller Art Center for the summer season with the return of a display honoring the town’s involvement during the Civil War.
The festivities marked an exhibit titled “Returning Fire” that explores the role of Springfield citizens and solders during the Civil War. Within the latest Miller Art Center display, first brought to Springfield in 1998, is several new items for 2013 including reading materials and a presentation sword.
Emily Stringham, a member of the society’s board and the textiles curator, said some of the items are also on loan that are different from the initial exhibit. The 150th anniversary of the Civil War prompted the return of the historical artifacts dating back to the 1860s.
It is also the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and there was a sizable amount of Springfield soldiers (and Vermonters in general) who took part in the three-day conflict outside of the Pennsylvania town where more than 23,000 soldiers on both sides died.
“It is a really important part of Springfield’s history and there’s a lot of different towns all over the state that are trying to tie into the anniversary. And we thought Springfield played an important role and we ought to be contributing to the anniversary also,” Stringham said.
Society President Jim Chlebak and his family’s brass trio set the tone for the evening with an arrangement of music from the era. A list of Civil War veterans from Springfield has been placed on the wall, along with uniforms, medals and information on the town’s history with the underground railroad and the 3rd and 16th Vermont regiments.
Left: Maddi Macie and Makenna Goodrich model Civil War era dresses at the First Night Reception at the Miller Museum in Springfield Thursday evening. Top: Bob Swanson from Springfield looks at part of the Civil War display. Middle: Tim Vanzandt from Springfield looks at part of the Civil War display. PAUL HOWE PHOTOS