Discover the history of the Civil War, the well-known leaders who determined America’s fate and the lesser-known soldiers who fought in decisive battles at America’s Civil War Retrospective, a new exhibit at the Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road.
On loan from the extensive private collection of a local resident, America’s Civil War Retrospective features a wide array of paintings, photographs, maps and newspaper articles and memorabilia, which bring to life the chaos of the time. The fast-paced technological changes of the times are also revealed through the many artifacts on display, from an 1850 Louis Comfort Tiffany-designed officer’s sword to early pistols and more modern revolvers.
Artillery shells and cannon balls – one cut in half to display the interior ball and shot – represent the early days of the war, while a hand grenade demonstrates the changing lethality of weapons of war.
Find out what's happening in Wiltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The exhibit is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and is closed on Easter. Admission to the exhibit and events is free to Society members and $5 for non-member families. The exhibit closes Friday, May 13.
Bringing these static scenes and artifacts to life, a series of re-enactments, tours, lectures and other events put a human face on the Civil War.
Find out what's happening in Wiltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Living History Day
On Saturday, April 2, Wilton High School senior Mike Kaelin leads a re-enactment of the soldier’s life during the Civil War with the 14th CT Regiment camped out on the Society grounds. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., these soldiers will demonstrate a Civil War encampment, complete with military drills and firing demonstrations, preparing a meal over an open fire and the day-to-day camp life of a soldier.
At 1 p.m., fellow high school senior Brian Caswell will present a lecture on the Civil War.
Students from the high school Debate Team will be hosting a concession table to benefit the club.
A Soldier’s Tale and Museum Tours
On Sunday April 3, 10 and May 1, from 1 to 4 p.m., visitors to the Society will enjoy an informal chat and gallery tour by an authentically dressed Civil War soldier. Society board member and re-enactor Dan Kinley, dressed as a Civil War soldier will discuss the items on exhibit and answer questions about the Civil War and a soldier’s life.
Additionally, tours of the Society’s period rooms will be provided by Kathy Torg, former curator, who will walk visitors through the homes and lives of notable Wiltonians. This tour demonstrates the changing nature of life for Wilton residents, with rooms demonstrating lifestyles and trappings from 1740 to 1910.
Researching the Civil War
Wilton resident David Petre, author of The Civil War: A Student Handbook, will give a lecture on his self-published book on Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m. Along with reviewing the history of the Civil War and the notable and lesser known characters, Mr. Petre will discuss his great-grandfather’s role as a soldier and his involvement in eight major battles and survival of imprisonment in the notorious Andersonville.
American Small Arms: From Bunker Hill to Baghdad
On Sunday, April 17, at 2 p.m., Karl Dolnier, a Wilton Historical Society board member and captain of the Wilton Fire Department will discuss and exhibit a selection from his extensive collection of firearms. Included in the collection are firearms from the Civil War to more modern rifles and pistols.
Mr. Dolnier will take guests on a tour through the decades, demonstrating how one technological improvement in firearms lead to another and another.
Militia Movie Nights: Gettysburg
Experience the drama of the Civil War’s most costly battle with members of the Wilton Militia as they screen Gettysburg in two parts on Tuesday nights April 19 and May 17 at 7:30 p.m. The film featuring Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen and Stephen Lang recounts what many refer to as the turning point in the Civil War, when as many as 51,000 American’s lost their lives on both sides during the three-day battle.
Information: www.wiltonhistorical.org or 762-7257.
