Download The Civil War in Philadelphia - Civil War Philadelphia and Its

THE CIVIL WAR HISTORY CONSORTIUM
of Greater Philadelphia
c/o The Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19102
http://www.civilwarphilly.net/
John Meko, Chair of the Board, 215-587-5583, [email protected]
Laura Blanchard, Executive Director, 215-985-1445, [email protected]
The Civil War in Philadelphia
Exhibitions and Events 2011-2015 (updated 1/31/11)
During the Civil War, Philadelphia was an important manufacturing and transportation hub,
producing everything from uniforms, weapons and ammunition to medicines and surgical
equipment for the Union, moving soldiers and supplies to the front, and returning wounded
soldiers to its many hospitals, where they were cared for by thousands of volunteers. Philadelphia
was also a center for African American support for emancipation and civil rights: its free black
population was the largest north of the Mason Dixon Line and made it possible for the
Philadelphia area to house the largest training camp for U. S. Colored Troops, as they were
known at the time, at Camp William Penn. A divided city, Philadelphia had more than its share of
Confederate sympathizers, and the struggles of the city's factions mirror the larger conflict.
While Philadelphia’s colonial and revolutionary history are well known, its Civil War history is
equally important, equally compelling, and deserves wider attention. To build interest and
awareness in the Philadelphia area’s pivotal role in the Civil War, the Civil War History
Consortium and its partners will produce a program of exhibitions, public events, research
activities and other programs for the period of the 150th anniversary, 2011-2015.
2011 Consortium Programs and Events (media contact: Laura Blanchard)
A kickoff parade, review, and encampment April 16, 2011 to raise the public profile of
Philadelphia’s role in the Civil War. The parade will commemorate the departure of the first
troops from Philadelphia in April 1861. Between 300 and 500 uniformed re-enactors and
civilians, accompanied by brass bands, will march from the National Constitution Center through
Chestnut Street and down Broad Street to the site of the PB&W Passenger Depot at Broad
Street and Washington Avenue, with a review in front of the historic Union League of
Philadelphia at Broad and Sansom Streets. The march will be followed by an encampment with
demonstrations of drilling, weapons firing, camp life, and related activities. The day will end with
a gala Civil War ball at the Union League.
A major battle reenactment event and living history encampment in Fairmount Park. This
event is scheduled for the third weekend in August (August 20-21) and is expected to draw as
many as 1,000 reenactors and living historians.
A guide to Civil War research resources in Philadelphia-area collections. This keywordsearchable research guide will aid students and other researchers in locating area sites with
books, manuscripts, pamphlets, ephemera, and other documents. It will complement the
collections guide currently on the Consortium's website. Additional activities will include “open
archives” days at the City Archives, the National Archives, and other collecting institutions.
In planning: a series of 6 to 8 public events based at neighborhood venues, including historic
churches, that were mustering, training, or hospital sites or had other important activities during
the Civil War, with a focus on civic engagement.
Keystone 2011 Civil War History Consortium Partner Programs
Abraham Lincoln Foundation: The Heritage Center at the Union League of Philadelphia:
The Union League of Philadelphia was formed in 1862 as a patriotic society to support Abraham
Lincoln and the Union. Now one of the country's leading private city clubs, the League also
houses a research library and archive with an impressive collection of books, pamphlets,
manuscripts, and artwork, including a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and the
original record of eyewitness testimony taken in Washington as Abraham Lincoln lay dying in
the next room on April 14/15, 1865.
In late spring/early summer 2011, the Union League will share its heritage and its treasures
when it opens its new Heritage Center. Changing exhibitions following the course of the war and
Philadelphia’s role will be on display at center. The League can also provide guided tours of its
historic building and art collections.
Admission to the Heritage Center is free; there is a modest fee for group tours. For additional
information, including hours of operation and fees for tours, contact Lucienne Beard, Director of
Education and Outreach, the Foundations of the Union League, [email protected], 215587-5568
City Archives: "Piecing a Story Together". The actions of the citizens and City government are
often in reaction to the laws and actions of the Federal Government. This exhibit documents the
effects of the Slave Trade Act, the 1838 disenfranchisement of black males, and the 1850
Fugitive Slave Law in important local events. Also featured, an assortment of documents
showcasing the effects of the Civil War and the struggle for freedom among Philadelphia
citizens. (Media contact: Dona Horowitz-Behrend PhD, public historian. [email protected])
Civil War Museum of Philadelphia, The Civil War Museum of Philadelphia will launch a new
website in June 2011 and a series of online exhibits from its collection, beginning with George
Gordon Meade—From the Barnegat Lighthouse to the Battle of Gettysburg. In
collaboration with the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts, and supported by the
William Penn Foundation and Save America’s Treasures, the website will also offer a rare look
inside the workshop as the Civil War Museum’s collection of artifacts undergoes conservation.
(Media contact: Sharon A. Smith, [email protected], 215-222-1235.)
“Civil War Road Show”: the Consortium, in partnership with Historic Philadelphia, will host
this self-contained traveling exhibition at Franklin Square in Philadelphia June 30-July 4, 2011.
Consortium member organizations will provide public programming to showcase the city's role
as a critical Civil War center, both at the site and at member institutions and other venues
around Philadelphia. Additional stops for the Road Show in the Greater Philadelphia area in
2011: Penn State Great Valley (Chester County), July 28-August 1, and Garnet Valley Middle
School (Delaware County), August 11-15. Consortium partners will host all three Road Show
stops, provide volunteer docents, and participate in complementary programming. For additional
information, see http://www.pacivilwar150.com/road-show.aspx (Media Contact: Sharon
Murphy, Karma Communications, [email protected], 215-790-7687)
Free Library of Philadelphia. "Civil War 150" – an exhibition of period maps, photographs,
prints and other documents from our historical collections and our Print and Picture Collection
will highlight the war years and the homefront in Philadelphia. The exhibition will run from
March 2011 through July 4 at the Parkway Central Library. Additional projects include an online
resource guide and a series of presentations by leading Civil War authors (e.g., Howard Holzer
and James McPherson, June 2011). Media contact, Jim DeWalt, [email protected] )
Library Company of Philadelphia: A 2011 exhibition will bring Civil War Philadelphia to life
through magazines, posters, souvenirs, trade cards and other materials printed during the war.
The precise dates of this exhibition have not yet been scheduled, but it is likely to be up during
the summer. (Media: For additional information on this exhibition, contact Phil Lapsansky at The
Library Company of Philadelphia, 215-546-3181. For information on The Library Company, visit
http://www.librarycompany.org/ )
Mercer Museum, Doylestown. Annual Civil War Encampment, May 29-30, 2011. After the
firing on Fort Sumter in 1861, Union politicians promised a quick war to defend the Constitution
and end the rebellion. At this year's encampment, costumed interpreters introduce visitors to the
early days of the Civil War. Visit with military engineers and map makers, join the ranks of new
recruits answering the President's call for troops to defend the Union, learn about Civil War era
medicine, and interact with local civilians as they express their concern or optimism for the days
ahead. Various demonstrations and activities scheduled throughout each day. Rain or Shine.
Program helps mark the beginning of the American Civil War Sesquicentennial - five years of
programming and exhibits commemorating the 150th anniversary of the War. Presented in
collaboration with the Historical Interpretation and Education Unit of the W.S. Hancock Society.
Included with museum admission. Media Contact Cory Amsler, 215-345-0210 x127
[email protected]
National Archives at Philadelphia. "Blasting through the Silence: The Allegheny Arsenal
Explosion of 1862 and the Creation of Public Memory". The explosion at the Allegheny
Arsenal caused the greatest loss of civilian life during the Civil War, but was completely
overshadowed, locally and nationally, by the Battle of Antietam - both occurred on 17
September 1862. This exhibit invites viewers to examine and evaluate the evidence of this
hidden story, and understand how "history" is created. 15 November 2010 - April 2011
www.archives.gov/midatlantic . "Saluting Camp William Penn." The National Archives at
Philadelphia is hosting this Humanities on the Road program this spring. Journalist Donald
Scott focuses on the moving stories of Pennsylvania's black warriors who served valiantly
during the Civil War. Based northwest of Philadelphia, Camp William Penn had almost 11,000
black soldiers and several hundred white officers who fought in major battles of the war, tracked
Abraham Lincoln's assassins and cornered Confederate Robert E. Lee. They were supported
by a "dream team" of anti-slavery abolitionists including Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman,
Sojourner Truth, William Still and Lucretia Mott. The original Camp William Penn records at the
National Archives at Philadelphia are part of our extensive holdings essential for USCT
research. Check the National Archives website and/or the PHC website for dates
http://www.pahumanities.org/projects/hor-sched-s2.php . Media contact: Leslie Simon, Deputy
Director of Archives, the National Archives at Philadelphia, [email protected], 215-6060101.
Neshaminy Park Civil War Re-enactment: April 30-May 1, 2011. This free event draws more
than 1,000 re-enactors and living historians every year, along with hundreds of spectators. It is
the largest Civil War reenactment event on the east coast, with the single exception of
Gettysburg. In addition to authentic battle reenactments, military drills, re-creations of camp life
and demonstrations of mid-nineteenth century crafts and skills extend the educational
experience. This family-friendly event is sponsored by the Bensalem PA Historical Society,
together with a number of reenactment societies, museums, and corporate sponsors. Additional
information, when available, will be posted at http://www.civilwarphilly.net/neshaminy/ .For
information on the park, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/neshaminy.aspx .
Media contact: Anthony Waskie, [email protected]
Rosenbach Museum & Library: Online project, “Today in the Civil War,” with examples
drawn from the collections; Exhibition, "The Civil War Begins" (December 15, 2010-July 17,
2011); premier of a new composition by Dave Burrell, "Portraits of Civil War Heroes," inspired
by Civil War materials in the Rosenbach collections, January 19 and 22, 2011. Hands-on tour,
"The Civil War: Politicians, Soldiers, Citizens." From the writings of Abraham Lincoln, to the
wartime letters of Col. Alexander Biddle of the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, to a
Confederate children's textbook, this tour provides a glimpse into the lives and thoughts of those
who shaped and survived America's worst conflict. Offered selected Wednesdays, Fridays,
Sundays at 3:00 p.m.The Rosenbach Museum & Library is housed in two Civil War-era
townhouses in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Additional activities planned
for the sesquicentennial period will be posted on the Rosenbach website,
http://www.rosenbach.org/ . Media contact: Emaleigh Doley at Canary Promotion
and Design, (215) 690-4065, [email protected]
Additional Programs and Events, 2011-2015
African American Museum of Philadelphia. "Audacious Freedom." Permanent exhibition
chronicles Philadelphia's black leaders through the Centennial (1876). Ongoing.
Association of Mid-Atlantic Civil War Roundables. There are almost 20 of these
associations of individuals who meet regularly to hear presentations on Civil War topics from
invited scholars, published authors, and others. A listing of Roundables may be found at
http://www.amartcivilwar.org/
Athenaeum of Philadelphia. "Elegant Things and Vile Users: Building the Capitol During the
Civil War." Exhibition on the completion of the dome of the United States Capitol designed by
Philadelphia architect Thomas Ustick Walter, and Walter's recollections of the challenges and
frustrations he faced completing this great national symbol as the war raged on. April - August
2012.
Chester County Historical Society: Exhibition on the conflicting views of the war displayed by
two warring newspapers; spotlight on the owner of the Historical Society’s headquarters
building, owned by a Philadelphia Inquirer Civil War reporter. Opening 2012.
College of Physicians/Mütter Museum: “Broken Bodies, Suffering Spirits: Injury, Death, and
Healing in Civil War Philadelphia.” In a departure from the "tourniquet and hacksaw"
interpretation of Civil War medicine, this exhibition will focus intimately on three bodies, their
health, medical treatment, and mortality: a white soldier, a black soldier, and a female volunteer
nurse. It will also mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the museum. Opening 2013.
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR.) Civil War Museum & Library: Monthly programs and
special events. http://garmuslib.org/
The Heritage Center at the Union League of Philadelphia: Annual exhibitions following the
course of the war and Philadelphia’s role will be on display at the Union League’s new Heritage
Center.
Historical Society of Pennsylvania. A range of digitization and processing projects,
publications, and public events over the four-year period.
Mercer Museum, Doylestown. "Turning Points," Exhibit will include segments on such "issues"
of the period as the military draft, the enlistment of African-Americans, the changing conduct
and aims of the War, and the appropriate role for women in the crisis. (2013)
National Constitution Center. Major exhibition (2013) which will travel to other venues in
Pennsylvania as well as outside the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania Hospital: 2012 Exhibition on mental health during the Civil War, focusing on the
work of Dr. Thomas S. Kirkbride at the Institute at 49th and Market.
“Civil War Road Show” traveling exhibition by Pennsylvania Civil War 150 initiative, hosted by
Consortium partners. Additional locations being scheduled for 2012-2014.
Philadelphia Museum of History at the Atwater Kent: Inaugural exhibition (2012) and
permanent galleries on Philadelphia history will include tours and gallery talks showcasing the
Civil War content; the museum is also planning a Civil War exhibition for 2013.
Temple University Center for Civil War and Emancipation Studies: One-day symposium
featuring David Blight, Randall Miller, Matthew Pinsker, and Judith Giesberg. February 2011;
additional symposia in 2012-2015.
University of Pennsylvania Rare Book and Manuscript Library: expansion of its existing
online archive of Civil War-related materials (http://sceti.library.upenn.edu/sceti/civilwar/ );
publication of Our Beloved Country: Civil War Pamphlets Published in Philadelphia edited by
Jon Shaw (ISBN: 978-0-615-39404-6), December 2010.
(Media may contact Laura Blanchard for contact information on any of the additional programs.)
About the Civil War History Consortium
As a collective, the Civil War History Consortium marshals the resources of the region
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to facilitate communication among local, regional and state entities, Consortium
members, and collaborators
to create structures for linking sites and develop sustainable infrastructure for 19th
century history
to build and share local collections and coordinate quality public programming
to create interactive Web resources
to support k-12 education
Since its founding, the Consortium has identified collections, sites and programs relating to the
region's Civil War history. Grants from the Heritage Philadelphia Program and the William Penn
Foundation have funded a market analysis and created a database of Philadelphia Civil War era
sites and collections. These surveys are available online at the Consortium's website at
http://www.civilwarphilly.net/research.html.
The Consortium has also participated in the statewide Sesquicentennial initiative, providing
content for two of its signature projects, a website (http://www.pacivilwar150.com/) and a
traveling exhibition that will visit all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. (The exhibition is scheduled to
visit Franklin Square from June 30 - July 4, 2011.) The Consortium gratefully acknowledges
additional funding from the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources and
Community and Economic Development, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Executive Board:
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John Meko, Foundations of the Union League
Kim Sajet, Historical Society of Pennsylvania
V. Chapman-Smith, National Archives at Philadelphia
Joseph C. Certaine
Anthony Waskie, Temple University
Romona Riscoe-Benson, African American Museum of Philadelphia
Vince Stango, National Constitution Center
Laura Blanchard, Civil War History Consortium (ex officio)
Charter Members and Associated Organizations
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Abraham Lincoln Foundation of the
Union League of Philadelphia*
African American Museum in
Philadelphia*
American Historical Theatre
American Swedish Historical Museum
Athenaeum of Philadelphia*
Berks County Historical Society
Chester County Archives & Records
Services*
Chester County Historical Society*
Cheyney University – Library
Christ Church Preservation Trust
City of Philadelphia – The City Archives
Civil War Museum of Philadelphia*
College of Physicians of Philadelphia /
Mütter Museum*
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
Elfreth’s Alley Association
First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry
Fort Delaware State Park
Fort Mifflin on the Delaware
Free Library of Philadelphia
General Meade Society of Philadelphia,
Inc.
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Civil
War Museum & Library*
Greater Philadelphia Tourism &
Marketing Corporation
Historic Germantown
(including Awbury Arboretum,
Cliveden/Upsala, Ebenezer Maxwell
Mansion, Germantown Historical
Society, Johnson House, Stenton and
others)
Historical Society of Montgomery
County*
Historical Society of Pennsylvania*
Independence Visitor Center
Corporation
John Bartram Association / Bartram’s
Garden
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Jubilee Project
Landmarks Architectural Walking Tours
Laurel Hill Cemetery
Lest We Forget Museum of AfricanAmerican Slavery
Library Company of Philadelphia*
Masonic Library & Museum of
Pennsylvania
Mercer Museum
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the
United States, Pennsylvania
Commandery*
Mother Bethel AME Church and Richard
Allen Museum
National Archives at Philadelphia
National Civil War Museum*
National Constitution Center
National Historic Theater
New Freedom Theatre
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts*
Pennsylvania Hospital
Philadelphia History Museum at the
Atwater Kent*
Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Philadelphia Area Consortium of Special
Collections Libraries (PACSCL)
Philadelphia Hospitality*
Rosenbach Museum & Library
Temple University – Civil War &
Emancipation Studies
Underground Railroad Museum at
Belmont Mansion
United States Colored Troops (USCT)
Third Infantry Regiment
University of Pennsylvania Library
Villanova University – Department of
History
Wagner Free Institute of Science
Walnut Street Theatre
*Charter Member