The original opening date for the Westchester Township History Museum’s new temporary exhibit, Westchester at War: The Civil War, July 13, has been changed to Sunday, July 20. The opening will take place from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Visit the exhibit at your leisure, listen to some great music from the period, and learn what life was like for area residents—at home and at war—during the Civil War. The museum is located in the Brown Mansion at 700 W. Porter Ave., Chesterton.
For the last few years historical and cultural institutions across the country have been recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. With the new exhibit, the Westchester Township History Museum lets visitors take a look at the war from a local perspective.
Although Civil War military actions took place hundreds of miles away from this area, local residents experienced the effects of the war on battlefields and at home. Almost 300 Dunelanders joined the Union in fighting the Civil War. Those who remained behind had to continue their daily activities while awaiting news from the battlefield and letters from loved ones. But what were those daily activities? What was life like in Westchester Township during the Civil War?
The Westchester Township History Museum will answer those questions and more in the new temporary exhibit Westchester at War: The Civil War. The exhibit will highlight local people, events, and activities in this area during the war. Visitors will be able to see some of the museum’s fascinating artifacts from this period—including army discharge papers, magazines, letters, and photographs—as well as items on loan from community members.
The exhibit will be open to the public July 20 through September 28.
The Westchester Township History Museum is a free educational and cultural service of Westchester Public Library and is open to the public Wednesday – Sunday from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment. For more information call the museum at 983-9715.