HSM seeks Civil War photos, information
The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) needs the public’s help in documenting the Civil War experience of people from Middletown and adjoining areas.
HSM is collecting photographs, letters and material about veterans, their families and local residents for an exhibit to be mounted next summer. The Delaware County Historical Association will loan its exhibit, “Delaware County in the Civil War,” and HSM will augment the show with local images and information, in observance of the War’s sesquicentennial.
“By ‘local’ we mean Margaretville, Fleischmanns, New Kingston, Arkville, Halcottsville, Dunraven, Kelly Corners, Dry Brook, Halcott, Denver-Vega, Hardenburgh, Weaver and Canada Hollows, Redkill, Clovesville and the farms and crossroads in between,” explained HSM President Diane Galusha.
“We are hoping there may be photographs of soldiers in uniform or of elderly veterans, and portraits of their families tucked away in attics and dresser drawers that we might scan for this exhibit. We can also copy letters, discharge papers or other memorabilia and return them quickly.”
The exhibit will be on display in HSM’s hall on Cemetery Rd., Margaretville from July 4 through Labor Day. It will be complemented by several Civil War related talks and programs, including a reading from wartime letters to and from local soldiers. If you have letters you would be willing to make available for this program, please email HSM, history@catskill.net.
In addition to putting together the exhibit, the Society has been collecting the service records of more than 300 veterans who were reported as living in Middletown in 1866, the year after the War ended. Research volunteers are needed to help flesh out the personal lives of these men: Did they have families? What did they do before and after the war? Did they have farms or businesses? Did they go West? How did their wives and children manage while they were away?
If you would like to help with this fascinating exploration, please contact Galusha at cybercat@history.com, or 845-586-4973. Much of the research can be done online.
