This project will raise funds to purchase high-value artifacts that will enhance and fill gaps in the narrative offered at the New England Civil War Museum. The New England Civil War Museum presents the treasure trove of artifacts, documents, and other memories contained within the former Grand Army of the Republic meeting place in Rockville, Connecticut. Our mission is to connect people emotionally with the memories and the humanity of those who lived and served during the American Civil War. A key component of this approach includes a modern, flexible system of interpretive fixtures to increase the footprint of presentation area within the museum, with an emphasis on accessibility to children and younger guests. The story of the average soldier, sailor, and civilian during the American Civil War is presented in a timeline format, from their civilian lives before the war, their experiences during the conflict, and their time as veterans, re-acclimating to society.
We give tours to New England residents as well as visitors from far and wide, including scout groups and students from local schools. Interpretive displays rely heavily on excerpts from letters, diaries, and newspaper memories written by the people themselves, as well as visually through unique artifacts of the time period.
We are looking to obtain era-artifacts that are representative of those carried, used, or worn by soldiers, sailors, and civilians from New England during the American Civil War. Specifically, we are looking to fill gaps in our visual presentation of clothing, personal effects, and written materials owned by individuals attributed to the six northeastern states. Our connections with reputable consignment institutions allow us to select from a wide arrangement of competitively priced items. However, our status as a non-profit, 100%-volunteer staff, and committment to provide admission-free access to the museum pose significant obstacles to obtaining funds necessary to fill the gaps in the museum's collection.
