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Civil War Father's Day Program at Macculloch Hall

Join us on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17th from 1pm – 4pm when costumed reenactor Bill Gent will present "Hollywood vs. Reality" an accurate look into the past exploring how a doctor was educated, interpret medicines and medical practices, and describe transportation and care of the wounded and the grim statistics of the war. Families can meet with Mr. Gent in the Museum garden throughout the afternoon to learn more about this aspect of the Civil War and view a display of medical tools and recreations of medicines in period containers. Jersey City resident Bill Gent has been a historical lecturer since 1997 and his special passion is the subject of medical practice of the Civil War era.  While a student at  the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)) he became enthralled by the university’s extensive collection of medical instruments and books. To expand upon his new-found knowledge he visited historic battlefields and joined a reenactment unit. He eventually chose General Beauguard’s personal surgeon, Major Robert Little Brodie MD.CMD., as his impression. Gent used his medical background, artistic talents and his research material to faithfully recreate medical practices during the war and dispel popular myths about Civil War medicine.  During the afternoon children can also participate in decorating a wooden drum using patterns and images from the drums on display in the exhibit for inspiration or create their own unique design.  Families can also take part in a scavenger hunt through the exhibit, where they can find both one-of-a-kind Civil War artifacts and everyday items from the Civil War soldier’s life while “on the hunt”.  Activities also introduce children to the secret codes used by the Union and Confederacy during the Civil War. Free admission for Dads.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

A different side of the Civil War is presented in The Other Side of War: The Civil War on the Home Front.  This exhibit is featured in the museum’s upstairs gallery.  Life on the home front was not easy for loved ones whom the soldiers left behind.  Women played an important role in the Union war effort: starting the U.S. Sanitary Commission, serving as nurses, gathering goods and raising money for the soldiers all contributed to the Union victory. The stories of the men and women who battled through the war on both fronts—the battlefield and at home—are heroic and moving and are shared in this new exhibit.

A Civil War Lecture Series in conjunction with the “Gone for a Soldier” exhibit is being held monthly. On June 27th the Museum is delighted to welcome Dr. James McPherson who will present “When Will this Cruel War be Over? The Failure of Peace Negotiations during the Civil War.”  The lecture is being held at the Cincinnati Masonic Lodge No. 3, 39 Maple Avenue (one block from the museum). Tickets are available at the door from 6:30pm, the lecture begins at 7pm. On Sunday July 1st visitors are invited to visit a living history program in the garden of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum.  Reenactors with the 27th NJ Company F will be available to meet visitors, answer questions and share camp life information with visitors to the Museum garden.  This small camp will include a battlefield surgeon and an officer’s tent set up. Full details about the lectures, book signings, and family-friendly events can be viewed on the museum’s Facebook events page, which can be accessed through the Museum website. “Gone for a Soldier” is on display Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons through July 1st 2012.

The New Jersey Sesquicentennial Committee, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, a volunteer organization working for increased awareness and recognition of New Jersey’s important role in the Civil war, has been recognized by the New Jersey Governor and both houses of the New Jersey legislature.

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Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open to tour the house and view exhibits on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. General Admission: Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The last tickets for admission are sold at 3 p.m. School tours, adult/senior tours and rentals may be scheduled by appointment. For information, call the Museum weekdays at (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit our website www.maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation. 

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