Muncy Historical Society Commemorates
the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War
Check time & location details
at www.MuncyHistoricalSociety.org or call 570.546.5917. All activities and
events are open to the public. Unless noted, there is no admission fee;
parking is always free. Join the presenters and event volunteers in period
costumes if you desire!
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2011, 2:30 p.m.
General John Fulton Reynolds
Presenter: Michael A. Riley
Hosted by the Muncy Historical Society;
Location: Community Room, First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market Street,
Muncy
(refreshments following presentation)
John F. Reynolds was born in Lancaster, PA in 1820. He graduated
from West Point in 1841. His career in the Regular Army included service
in the Mexican War in which he received two brevet promotions for gallantry
and meritorious conduct; service in the Utah Expedition and various campaigns
against the Indians. In 1860 he was appointed commandant of cadets and instructor
of tactics at West Point, where he served until the outbreak of the Civil
War.
In
June 1862 Reynolds served as military governor of Fredericksburg, VA. After
the battle of Gaines Mill he was captured by Confederates and was later
exchanged. He commanded the PA Reserve Division at Second Manassas and led
the PA militia during the Maryland Campaign. Promoted to major general,
he commanded the First Corps of the Army of the Potomac at Fredericksburg
and Chancellorsville. The day before the Battle of Gettysburg, General Meade
placed Reynolds in command of the three corps which formed the left wing
of the army. On July 1, 1863, Gettysburg, Reynolds came to the aid of General
Buford’s cavalry, urging his men to advance on the persistent Confederate
forces. Major General Reynolds, one of the most respected, courageous and
most competent Union officers was struck in the neck by a mini ball and
died instantly.
Michael Riley has become one of the country’s foremost authorities
on General Reynolds and his book, “For God’s Sake, Forward!” is considered
required reading for Civil War enthusiasts and fans of its officers. He
served as historical consultant and actor’s double for Ron Maxwell’s Civil
War movie epic, Gettysburg, and also appeared in Gettysburg: Boys in Blue
& Gray. He is President of the Confederation of Union Generals, a group
of historical interpreters dedicated to education, commemoration and preservation.
MONDAY,
APRIL 18, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
“Major General Winfield S. Hancock”
Presenter: John Deppen
Hosted by East Lycoming Historical Society;
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, South Main & Academy Streets, Hughesville
Prior
to Deppen’s presentation, visit the ELHS Museum which will be open from
6 – 6:45 p.m.; park in the rear of the church and walk two doors north to
66 S. Main Street. (refreshments following presentation)
The noted John Deppen will bring history to life through his
first-person dramatic program of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886)
who he has been portraying since 1997. Deppen's General Hancock program
focuses on the three-day Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, and the critical
decisions made by Hancock on each of the three days that contributed to
Union victory. Details of Hancock’s momentous life and military career will
be disclosed. Hancock’s 2nd Army Corps received and repulsed Pickettt’s
direct assault on the third day of the battle during which Hancock was seriously
wounded., His talents were recognized by General George McClellan when he
called him, Hancock the Superb, a title still ascribed to Hancock.
John Deppen, of Northumberland, is a writer and speaker who
focuses on military history and veterans' issues. Since 1994, Deppen has
published more than 500 newspaper and magazine articles, including several
in national publications such as Military Heritage, Blue and Gray, Civil
War Historian, Reminisce Extra, and Gettysburg Magazine. Deppen is active
in many heritage organizations. He is the current commander of General John
F. Hartranft Camp #15 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and
the senior vice commander of General J.P.S. Gobin Camp #503 of the SUVCW.
He is a lifetime honorary member of the Snyder County Veterans Council,
an honorary member of the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County, and a
frequent guest at meetings of Chapter #656 of the Military Order of the
Purple Heart in Lewisburg. In addition to giving presentations to nearly
two dozen Civil War Round Tables in six states, Deppen has appeared before
thousands of school children in the Susquehanna Valley.
TUESDAY,
MAY 17, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
“Life of the Civil War Soldier”
Presenter: Dave Richards
Hosted by Montgomery Area Historical Society;
Location: Christ Lutheran Church, 50 E. Houston Ave., Montgomery
(refreshments following presentation)
The
program Life of the Civil War Soldier is an in-depth look at the life of
the common soldier during that cataclysmic event, 150 years ago. What motivated
these young men and boys to leave home and offer up their lives, if need
be, for the cause of Liberty and Union? Why did they enlist? Why did they
serve? How did they exist day to day? What did they eat? How, and why, did
they die? These and other questions will be discussed in this presentation
commemorating America's costliest war. Richards, an authority on Civil War
soldiers from the lower Lycoming County vicinity will utilize a large number
of letters and diaries written by men from this area to illustrate the incredible
sacrifice this generation of young Americans experienced in a War that still
haunts us today.
David L. Richards, a Picture Rocks native, has been a licensed
battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park since 1985. Richards
has been a guest lecturer at historical organizations, educational institutions
and social and heritage societies and roundtables. Over the years, he has
introduced literally tens of thousands of school students to the story of
the American Civil War, in general, and the Battle of Gettysburg, in particular.
Instilling a sense of history is the work that Richards finds most rewarding.
He is a teacher and the battlefield is his classroom. Richards has written
numerous articles for historical society and veteran publications and his
first book, Priceless Treasures, was published in 2001 by the Muncy Historical
Society. Priceless Treasures is a detailed study of the Soldiers’ Memorial
in Muncy Cemetery along with individual biographies of the seventy-one soldiers
from the Muncy vicinity who lost their lives during the Civil War.
THURSDAY - TUESDAY, MAY 26 – 31, 2011
Civil War Road Show
Location: Muncy High School Sports Field, 200 W. Penn Street, Muncy
Thursday, May 26, 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday, May 27, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.;
Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, May 29, noon to 8 p.m.;
Monday, May 30, noon to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
(Hours subject to change)
The Civil War Road Show, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical
and Museum Commission (PHMC), is taking the story of Pennsylvania’s role
in the great conflict to all 67 PA counties over a four year period. Based
in a 53 foot expandable trailer, the CWRS will bring interactive exhibits
and special programming on the Keystone State’s vital role in the war to
local communities across the Commonwealth. It is an emotionally powerful
mobile exhibit experience with interconnected programs that focus on the
ways the War transformed the lives of Pennsylvanians and their communities,
and the ways in which Pennsylvanians impacted the War.
Through stereoscopic photographs, original compositions of
Civil War era music and sound effects, interactive maps, hands-on objects
and animated storytelling, the Road Show will convey accounts of the many
different ways Pennsylvania’s men, women, children and communities experienced
the Civil War – both on the battlefield and the homefront. The Road Show
will also collect the stories of Pennsylvania’s Civil War history, county
by county, in a “Share Your Story” recording booth where the public will
be invited to share their own Civil War-era family photographs, artifacts
and stories digitally and/or orally to be uploaded to PACivilWar150.com.
During the weekend, we expect an appearance by the 149th Pennsylvania
Bucktails Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a reenactment unit representing the
original 149th PVI. The modern reenactment unit pays tribute to the men
and the sacrifices that the original 149th made during the American Civil
War. The 149th was a special Union infantry regiment formed in August, 1862
from 11 different Counties from Pennsylvania. It played a minor role at
the Battle of Chancellorsville, but their first major engagement occurred
July 1, 1863 on McPherson’s Ridge at the start of the 3 day Battle of Gettysburg.
The 149th also took part in many of the Virginia battles from the Wilderness
to Petersburg.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Bucktails will set up a small
“Recruiting Station,” a living history camp of instruction, and, perhaps,
a civilian surveyor, a chaplain and a medical professional will be on hand
to explain their 19th century duties during the War.
Thompson’s Independent Battery C, PA Volunteer Light Artillery
reenactment unit will join us on Saturday, May 28. In many heated battles,
Battery C was also at Gettysburg, taking up position in the Peach Orchard.
Cannon firing demonstrations will occur throughout the day.
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
Civil War Quilts & Care Packages: Support for Soldiers
from the Women at Home
Presenter: Ann F. Diseroad
Hosted by the Muncy Historical Society;
Location: Community Room, First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market Street,
Muncy
When
President Abraham Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 troops in April of
1861, the United States standing army had never numbered more than 15,000.
The Federal Government was incapable of provisioning a force as large as
the one assembled. Spontaneously, women throughout Pennsylvania and across
the nation rose to meet the challenge, collecting supplies and money and
producing materials needed to equip the Union Army.
Ultimately as many as 10,000 Ladies Aid Societies were united
under the umbrella of the United States Sanitary Commission, a civilian
organization which provided millions of dollars worth of food, clothing
and medical supplies to Union soldiers. Their support not only contributed
to soldiers’ comfort but significantly reduced loss of life. This presentation
tells the story of women’s efforts drawn from Civil War era newspapers,
diaries, letters and other contemporary sources. On display will be Ann’s
reproductions of many items produced by Civil War women including quilts,
hospital garments and knitwear, made from period instructions or based on
photographs of surviving objects. This collection is probably the most diverse
and complete one of its type.
Ann F. Diseroad is a retired librarian and local historian
in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. She serves on the board of the Columbia County
Historical and Genealogical Society, was a member of the Selection Committee
for “Pennsylvania Quilts: Studies in Color,” the highly acclaimed quilt
show held at the Packwood House Museum, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in 2009,
and works with the Barton House at the Bloomsburg Fair to provide a living
history experience for visitors. She is one of twelve artisans nationwide
who will participate in creating textiles for the Robert E. Lee House in
Arlington, Virginia.
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011, 7 p.m.
“DEAR HOME”
Presenters: Bill & Linda Poulton; Muncy High School
Location: Muncy High School Auditorium, 200 W. Penn Street, Muncy
John
Rissel anxiously awaited his parents’ permission to enlist in the Civil
War. The excitement of war soon turned to anxiety and fear as sickness and
the ravages of battle took a toll on those around him. Rissel sent more
than 120 letters home during his three years with Company F of the 84th,
a Pennsylvania regiment that experienced some of the most horrific fighting
of the Civil War. In the more than 120 letters “home” Rissel captured his
time spent in camp, on what seemed like endless marches, and on the battlefield.
His letters convey tremendous pride in his comrades’ bravery and incredible
sorrow as he writes of the death of so many of his friends.
Volunteers Bill and Linda Poulton have worked with the Muncy
Historical Society for 15+ years; Bill has served as Society president and
is currently its executive director and Linda has been editor of its nationally-recognized
publication, Now and Then, since 1995. For this presentation, the Poultons
have extracted excerpts from some of Rissel’s letters along with additional
information and photographs of some of the young men who lost their lives
through disease, wounds or while held captive in Confederate prisons. 9Captain
John Rissel image from MHS Collection.)
MONDAY,
MAY 30, 2011
“Memorial Day Parade”, 11 a.m.
Starts promptly at 10 a.m., N. Main Street to E. Penn Street
to Muncy Public Cemetery
Parade lead by Tom Taylor, Bag Piper
Guest Speaker: David Richards, Gettysburg Battlefield Guide
FRIDAY
- SATURDAY, JULY 15 – 16, 2011
7th Annual Quilt Show & “Civil War Quilt” Challenge and
Presentations
July 15, 4:00 - 9 p.m. (Quilt Show Only);
July 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Quilt Show & Two Living History Presentations)
· 11 a.m. - Louisa May Alcott: Writer, Abolitionist & Child of the New
Education
· 3 p.m. – Clara Barton: Civil War Nurse & Founder of the American Red
Cross
Quilt Show Location: Myers Elementary School, 125 New Street, Muncy
Presentation Location: Community Room, First United Methodist Church, 602
S. Market Street, Muncy
The
quaint and beautiful river town of Muncy, Pennsylvania is the setting for
this annual 2-day Quilt Show. Show guests have the opportunity to view antique,
traditional and new quilts, representing virtually all styles. Diversity
and artistic interpretation are highlights of the show and each year, the
event is a showcase of stunning hand and machine workmanship, appliqué and
quilting techniques, reflecting the originality of the makers and their
expertise with needle and thread. The vintage quilts, which help to set
this Show apart from others, are from private and museum collections from
across the state of Pennsylvania.
The Show also includes quilts entered in the Challenge Theme
category, special Civil War-era relevant exhibits, lectures and/or workshops,
fabric and specialty vendors, quilt appraisals and a variety of hands-on
demonstrations. The show activities are selected to appeal to all ages and
young people are encouraged to participate.
On Saturday, Pat Jordan, professional singer-actor, published
writer and director from southeastern Pennsylvania, will present two different
one-woman living history plays. Pat’s entertaining and highly-researched
historical interpretations have been enjoyed at theatres, colleges, libraries,
historical groups, schools, businesses and national historical sites throughout
the country. Pat is a member of SAG and AFTRA, a drama instructor, stage
director, and Program Director of a foundation-sponsored youth-at-risk arts
initiative.
Louisa
May Alcott, abolitionist, feminist, advocate for woman’s suffrage and acclaimed
author will make her appearance at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Alcott was an avid
women’s rights advocate and the sole support of her family for many years.
Her character, in many ways, is revealed through the beloved tomboy Jo in
Little Women, Alcott’s classic story of four sisters who lived during the
Civil War. The Alcott family was on intimate terms with many of the greatest
thinkers in New England during the mid-19th century and Louisa’s teachers
included Emerson and Thoreau. Later, her father’s utopian experiments provided
the youthful author with a colorful background against which to spin her
tales. Louisa served as a nurse during the Civil War and her book, “Hospital
Sketches” tells of her experiences at the Union Hospital in Georgetown.
The renowned writer later authored many books which became popular top sellers.
Woman’s and civil rights activist Clara Barton is scheduled
to perform at 3 p.m. Clara Barton was born on Christmas Day, 1821, in North
Oxford, MA. Her father’s stories of his military career enthralled Clara
and inspired dreams of doing some glorious service for her country. The
bright, sensitive girl grew into a strong advocate for education, becoming
a teacher in her teen years. When the Civil War broke out, Clara headed
for the front lines, taking supplies to wounded soldiers and earning the
title “Angel of the Battlefield.” Her middle years took her to Europe where
she became a passionate supporter of the Geneva Convention and the International
Red Cross. On her return to America, she established the first chapter of
the American Red Cross, bringing disaster relief to countless thousands
throughout the nation and abroad. Clara’s indomitable strength, dogged determination
and boundless good will are a model for all Americans. Free Parking; Free
Presentations; Quilt Show Admission $5.
FRIDAY – SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 & 27, 2011
37th Antiques Show and Sale
August 26, 5:30 – 9 p.m. (opening night reception); August
27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Geringer Social Hall, 213 N. Main Street, Muncy
Lycoming
County, Pennsylvania’s finest juried show, known for the diversity and quality
of antiques, offering a relaxing indoor, air-conditioned atmosphere with
outstanding antique dealers. This Show offers an impressive range of antiques:
19th and 20th century American and English furniture, fine early porcelain
and glass, stoneware and pottery, quilts and vintage textiles, estate jewelry,
folk art, primitives and Americana, smalls and accessories.
Keeping with our 150th anniversary Civil War commemorative
efforts, in addition to the “stepping back in time” with antiques available
for sale, the 37th annual show will feature a special Civil War era display
with exhibited memorabilia on loan from private collections. Free Parking;
Admission $4.
SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 11, 2011, 2:30 P.M.
Deserter Country: Civil War Opposition in Pennsylvania
Presenter: Robert Sandow, PhD. (Commonwealth Speakers Bureau)
Hosted by the Muncy Historical Society
Location: Community Room, First United Methodist Church, 602 S. Market Street,
Muncy
(refreshments following presentation)
This lecture explores the widespread and sometimes violent
opposition to the Civil War by people in the Appalachian lumber country
of northern Pennsylvania. Many are unaware that this sparsely-settled region
was home to divided communities that provided a safe haven for opponents
of the war and deserters form the army, prompting federal officials to lead
a military expedition in 1864. Sandow will examine the social, political
and economic factors that explain antiwar opposition, much of which stemmed
from the difficulties of Appalachian life. Timely themes are highlighted
including the meanings and traditions of dissent in wartime, the debate
over loyalty to the nation, the impact of partisan politics and the difficulties
faced by the state in enforcing unpopular laws.
Family trips to famous battlefields sparked a lifelong passion
in Robert Sandow for Civil War history. His research specialties include
the northern homefront during the Civil War, with particular interest in
issues of dissent, partisan politics, and opposition. He is an Associate
Professor of History at Lock Haven University, where he teaches classes
on American History, Military History, Japanese History and introductory
courses on Public History and Museum Studies. A Pennsylvania Humanities
Council 2011 Speaker, Dr. Sandow is also a writer, publishing among other
works, a monograph entitled Deserter Country: Civil War Opposition in the
PA Appalachians in April 2009.
SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 9, 2011, 2:30 p.m.
Repasz Band Concert
Location: Muncy High School Auditorium, 200 W. Penn Street,
Muncy
(refreshments following concert)
The Repasz Band was founded in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
in 1831 and it is the oldest non-military band in continuous existence in
the United States. It has a proud musical heritage, having performed for
a variety of civil and military events.
In 1861, the Band enlisted in the 11th Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and after three months’ service, enlisted in the 29th Pennsylvania
Volunteers. After completing its second enlistment, the greater part of
the musicians next enlisted in the 8th PA Cavalry and served until the end
of the Civil War, seeing action in the Shenandoah Valley as well as at Lee’s
surrender. At Appomattox Court House the Repasz Band played the “Star Spangled
Banner” and “Rally Round the Flag.” The Band performed at the original dedication
of President Ulysses S. Grant’s Tomb on April 27, 1897 and returned one
hundred years later to perform at the rededication of Grant’s Tomb. At ten
o’clock in the morning on October 23, 1869 the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad
delivered the Repasz Band to Muncy so that they could perform at the dedication
of the Civil War Soldiers’ Monument at the Muncy Cemetery. It rained that
day and the plan to hold the exercises on the cemetery grounds had to be
abandoned. The dedication ceremony was moved indoors and the Repasz Band
performed “without missing a beat.” The Repasz Band returns to town and
to present a concert of Civil War music.
SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 16, 2011
Historic Homes & Walking Tour
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
Civil War Era properties that have stories to tell plus a
special exhibit at the museum!
For the one-day annual homes tour, guests will walk through
Muncy’s historic district where period costumed reenactors will share their
stories of life on the homefront, in camp and on the battlefield. On the
public library steps, guests will have the opportunity to hear a Quaker’s
position on slavery and experience the crowd’s fervor which led to Muncy’s
“Abolition Riot of the 1840s.”
The historic homes and churches, for touring and sidewalk
conversations, will be selected based on the “story they have to tell” i.e.
Captain Peterman’s (killed at Chancellorsville), Rissel’s pre- and post-Civil
War homes (legacy in letters’ home), John Bowman’s (brother-in-law to Lt.
Col. John Musser, killed at Wilderness), Mary Jane Levan’s (her tireless
efforts raised the funds to erect the C. W. Monument), etc. In addition
to refreshments at the museum, tour guests will view a special Civil War
era display with exhibited memorabilia on loan from private collections.
Admission $12; $10 advance.
FRIDAY
– SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4-5, 2011
5th ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION & SALE
Friday, November 4, 5:30 – 9 p.m. (opening night reception);
Saturday, November 5, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Geringer Social Hall, 213 N. Main Street, Muncy
This Regional Invitational Art Exhibition features some of
the most talented artists in Central Pennsylvania. The show features twenty-four
renowned artists, each specializing in a unique genre. Many of them are
exhibited and collected nationally; all of them share a close relationship
with Muncy and the surrounding area. It includes a wide range of arts and
craftsmanship, including photography, oil painting, jewelry, fashion, pottery,
woodworking, quilting, ceramics, watercolor, sculpture, home décor and unique
holiday decorations. The juried show includes a rich and varied collection
of original work along with signed and numbered limited-edition reproductions.
Friday night’s opening includes a reception and an opportunity to meet the
artists.
In addition to the contemporary artists, guests will experience
a special art exhibit representing a cross-section of work from the Civil
War era; exhibited memorabilia on loan from both the museum’s and private
collections. Admission: $4.
The Muncy Historical Society commemorates the Sesquicentennial
of the Civil War, partnering with the Muncy School District, the Historical
Organizations of Lycoming County (HOLC) and other non-profit organizations
throughout Lower Lycoming County to provide varied events and activities
to appeal to a wide audience in 2011.
Program
support for the Muncy Historical Society’s 2011 Calendar of Events was made
possible in part through donations and grants from The Muncy Bank &
Trust Company, the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau and the PA Council on
the Arts.
