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Arts & Entertainment

An Inside Peek to the Past

An upcoming Historical Society Exhibit features the domestic side of the Civil War era.

Old-fashioned ladies hats, dresses and accessories will provide a softer look within the Southington Historical Society during its upcoming exhibit, 'Southington Mosaics - Our Collections.'

The first-ever display is the brainchild of society members Lisa Jansson, Claire DeFrancesco and Fern Wildman-schreir, who thought highlighting a more feminine, artistic side of the Civil War era would piggyback nicely to the recently held Civil War Exhibit.

"The display features the more domestic side of what went on during that time, and gives information about local women who lived at that time," Wildman-Schrier said.

Historical Society President Kenneth DiMauro said he's excited about the new exhibit, especially since the Civil War exhibit was the most popular in the society's recent history.

"We're always trying new things and seeing what people like," Di Mauro said. "Our last exhibit brought in 1,110 people from February to the end of June, which was really great. I think people will enjoy this one as well."

Along with viewing the 19th century display, visitors will get a special treat on September 22 at 7 p.m. when local poet Sandra Maineri will talk about the life and works of Southington native, the late Anna Grannis.

Grannis became a post-civil war poet who supported her family through writing after her father was killed in the war.

"I think she is a very interesting and inspiring poet, and anyone interested in local history will enjoy the talk," Maineri said. "I really think she reflects the time she lived in, and what women went through because of the Civil War."

The exhibit also honors the late historian Melvin Schneidermeyer, former Southington town planner, historian, author and president of the historical society.

Wildman-Schrier said she's excited the display will feature the society's own collection donated primarily by Southington residents. Previous exhibits have featured items on loan.

DiMauro said the display will serve as an interim display in between the two main exhibits created each year. The next exhibit will feature World War II.

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