The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum is opening a new exhibit on how the Civil War has been remembered over the years. Civil War Memory has been a central academic topic for the last three decades that has become a national debate following the 2005 Charleston shootings at a Black Church, and the infamous Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va. Collecting Civil War memorabilia, visiting battlefields, and publishing books and magazines about the war have been a large subculture in the United States since the Confederate surrender in 1865.
Here is information on the exhibit from the Hayes Library:
For 160 years, the United States has been uncertain with how best to remember the Civil War.
Each generation has handled the war’s legacy in its own way, often reflecting its own values and experiences in doing so.
While the debate will continue on how this difficult subject should be remembered, the latest special exhibit at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums will provide the often-overlooked history of how people have chosen and still choose to remember the Civil War.
“Mustering Memory: 160 Years of Saluting the Civil War” is open to the public through at least April 15, 2023.
From the aged veterans who walked on the fields of Gettysburg for its 50th anniversary in 1913 to modern enthusiasts who use their vacation time reliving famous battles or scouring Civil War antique shows, this exhibit offers context on where Civil War memory has been and insights for those interested in engaging with it today.
“How we remember the Civil War has been and continues to be a tough subject. It deals with issues of race and patriotism, as well as history and heritage,” said Kevin Moore, curator of artifacts at Hayes Presidential. “Our hope is that visitors to ‘Mustering Memory’ will leave with a better grasp of how past generations, beginning with the Civil War veterans themselves, have tried to understand and commemorate this pivotal event.”
Artifacts on display include Civil War medals from President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes, as well as medals other Civil War veterans. Lucy Hayes’ medal was from the Women’s Relief Corps, and it honored her for her work in tending to wounded soldiers, mending their uniforms and offering other support.
“Mustering Memory” includes items from President Hayes, including his work as president of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, an organization that began as a group for Union Civil War veterans. It will feature Civil War manuscripts and artifacts from Hayes Presidential’s collections.
The exhibit also shares information about Civil War reenacting and Civil War artifact and memorabilia collecting.
“People who are into history continue to remember the Civil War in a number of different ways, many of which can be both educational and a lot of fun,” Moore said. “We want to make visitors aware of what activities exist today and point them to resources in case they want to get involved.”
“Mustering Memory” is open during regular museum hours, which are available at rbhayes.org. Members are admitted for free. For non-members, access to the exhibit is included with regular admission.
The Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner for the federal presidential library system. It is partially funded by the state of Ohio and affiliated with the Ohio History Connection. The Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is located at Spiegel Grove at the corner of Hayes and Buckland avenues.
For information, call 419-332-2081, or visit rbhayes.org. Like HPLM on Facebook at @rbhayespres and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @rbhayespres.
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