I have found that some of the most interesting museums are local ones. They are set in old mansions and schoolhouses, courthouses and train depots. They tell the story of a town and it’s reflection on the world at large. They most often start as grassroots efforts to save an old home or homestead and just as often grow to become meccas of local history. Such is the case of the Elmhurst Historical Museum.
I had the privilege of attending the opening of two stellar exhibits last Friday and went back yesterday afternoon to have a closer look. As part of a year-long commemoration of the start of the American Civil War 150 years ago, two exhibits, “Letters From Home” and “Between the States, Photographs of the American Civil War of the George Eastman House Collection” will be on display at the museum until December .
“Between the States” is a traveling exhibit of facsimile photographs of Civil War soldiers, battlefields, and notables of the time. It is a small exhibit, but, worthy of a few moments of time, not only for the photographs, but, to witness how photography came into its own during the 1860’s and how it impacted war and informed those at home.
“Letter From Home” is a collaboration between the Elmhurst History Museum and the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild and it brings the reality of the Civil War home to the area. Twenty nine letters to Frederick Fischer, who served in the Civil War, have been preserved for 150 years. They are the center point of the exhibit. They are touching, formal, instructive in the hands of the father, Henry Fischer, sad, and they are a reflection of how folks coped and communicated during the Civil War.
Local artists, members of the Guild, were invited to choose a portion of a letter and interpret it artistically. The letters are from Frederick’s family at home; his father, brothers, and even his little sister. They are all to Frederick. One other brother, Augustus, also served and, sadly, we learn of his death in battle through one of the letters.
I was moved by the words, as I was moved by the art. Photographing in the museum was not permissible, but, you can view some of the artwork and parts of letters here. I encourage you to visit the Elmhurst Historical Museum if you are near Elmhurst.
Along with the exhibit, recorded readings of the letters can be heard by members of the Green Man Theater Troupe. Be assured, they have done an excellent job in capturing the heart of the letters.
Information on the exhibit and the Elmhurst History Museum can be found at www.elmhurst.org/index.aspx?nid=620.
Penny, you always seek out the human touch, the empathy of connection, a sense of history coming alive through the people who lived in the past. I cherish the richness of your blog. Thank you.
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What a wonderful thing to say, Juliet. Thank you.
I really admire the local foundations, commissions, historical groups in snall towns and large ones that keep local history alive, sometimes without assistance or appreciation from the powers-that-be.
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Gorgeous work from the ancestors of those who must have received the letters, Penny. I love this: the firing of the first gun, and especially the woman sewing. Life had to go on, somehow. Thank you for introducing us to this lovely local initiative.
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Isn’t it amazing, Kate? I wish you could see the woman sewing up close as there is so much more in the painting of the history of the time. It is one of my favorites from the exhibit. You are quite welcome.
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That is such a wonderful and poignant way to learn more about history. Somehow when it is personalized in that way it means so much more. A great idea by a small museum, I am very impressed!
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I thought so, too, Sallie. Engaging folks in history and art is always a good route to take. The Elmhurst Art Museum is a wonderful treasure.
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This is a very beautiful and touching exhibit. I agree with Juliet that you do such a good job of finding the human touch in everything. Letters…..think how long those soldiers and their families had to wait to hear from each other. I’ve also thought about how in the confusion of battles and troop movements many of the letters may not have found the intended destination.
There are small museums around here. In fact, our elementary school grades 1 through 5 are visiting a traveling museum today. Literally, they are visiting the Nina and Pinta which are replicas of the original. They have been traveling on the Illinois River.
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Thank you, Janet. I appreciate you saying this.
I just can’t imagine the waiting and waiting and sometimes never hearing. The photo exhibit actually had a grouping of pictures that were sent and never made it past the post offices. It was poignant to see.
How fun! Did you get to go on one of the field trips? Did the children get to board the boats? That is so exciting and what makes history come alive for kids. Oh see what you’ve done – gotten me all excited. Too bad the Nina and Pinta are going down river or I would be out there.
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I saw a poster about this exhibit a week or so ago and planned on going, but forgot about it. Thank you for reminding me and for your great review of the exhibit.
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I do hope you get to see this, Janet. It is very well done and unique in how they pulled the community in and made it more personal. Eoin might enjoy it.
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