Remembering the Civil War, A Display 150 Years In The Making

It's not every day that people remember a war was fought. The Southington Historical Society's Civil War exhibit is a tribute to local volunteers who battled in the Civil War.

The exhibit commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, which was fought between 1861-1865, and is on view now through May. History buffs will find stories about the Underground Railroad and identify many different regiments who served. 

Made up of photographs, maps, illustrations, uniforms, swords, rifles, and live question and answer lectures, the exhibit serves as a great learning tool, particularly for its local perspective. 

The idea to pool together objects and stories came from Robert Cusano, exhibit chairman and collector of historic memorabilia. An extensive library of Civil  War books is available to browse or borrow by permission from Cusano; they are on loan for the duration of the show. 

Many of the objects on display were given to the society from family members of those who served. 

"Please sign the guest book," Cusano said, greeting visitors as they enter the building. "Everything is documented and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

All the objects are captioned with descriptions. People walking through can browse at their own pace.

Questions do arise and Cusano is on hand to answer. Behind a tall glass case is a Philadelphia Deringer, a pocket pistol like the one used by John Wilkes Booth in the Abraham Lincoln assassination.

"Is that the real thing?" a youngster asks.

"It is a replica, as there are many, like souvenirs," Cusano said. "The 10-foot-by-10-foot bulletproof display case was donated by Yale University."

Lectures on related Civil War history will take place Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Dr. Ira Spar, an othopedic surgeon at Hospital at Central Connecticut and a battalion surgeon in Vietnam, gave a phenomenal second lecture, "Absalom, My Son, My Son," on how one man was affected by the loss of his son in the Civil War.

Nathaniel Bowditch was a self made wealthy American mathematician, abolitionist and doctor who pulled his son, Henry Ingersoll Bowditch, from medical school to serve in the war.

"When Henry was killed, it haunted Nathaniel to his death, in part because he blamed himself," Spar said. "Lack  of ambulatory and medical care didn't help either. The amount of injured and dead bodies were overwhelming."

Bowditch advocated for many advances in health care, including the use of the stethoscope and the importance of better equipped medical transportation.

Eight different speakers will appear. As the dates are confirmed, they will be posted on the Web site. 

Upcoming events in the works include an appraisal session, much like the PBS show Antiques Roadshow. Civil War effects (guns, clothing, furnishings) can be brought in for review of authenticity and value by appraisers, and by Art Historian Don Troiani. A tasting event will highlight different foods typical of that time, made by local residents.

Of the 322 Southington residents who fought, 13 were killed in action, 16 were listed as missing in action, 20 died while not in direct combat, 49 were wounded in action, and 25 were captured. 

"It's extraordinary when you consider the total town population at that time was 2,500," said Cusano. "Of that number,  half were women and half of that were children or elderly. Who remained home were those men who farmed or ran a business. Nearly 50 percent of young men volunteered for the war."  

Admission is free but a donation box sits next to the guest register. Any donation is welcome and helps provide for maintenance costs and future displays. The display will remain through May.