Litchfield Historical Society To Host Civil War Forum

LITCHFIELD — On Saturday, September 22, beginning at 9 am, the Litchfield Historical Society will hold “Then We Talk of Home: A Soldier’s Letters Introduce the Civil War,” an all-day symposium that will focus on creating and implementing a Civil War exhibition.

The basis of the symposium is a series of letters by Alva A. Stone, a soldier from the 8th Connecticut Regiment. Stone’s letters provide a remarkable foundation for understanding Litchfield’s Civil War experience, offering vivid descriptions of camp life and the actions of his regiment from burials of fellow soldiers, uniforms, food, unfamiliar Southern customs, and the bad reputations of army hospitals.

Stone’s prolific descriptions offer a starting point for a discussion of Civil War medicine, textiles, and the variety of techniques one can employ to make Connecticut’s history accessible to a wide audience.

The day will also include the following programs: “Presenting the Civil War: The Ultimate How-To Guide” by Dr Matthew Warshauer; “Health Care Delivery in Connecticut during the Civil War” by Dr Ira Spar; “Outfitting our Gallant Soldiers: Civil War Textiles from the Connecticut Home Front” by Lynne Zacek Bassett; an interpreters panel to focus on “Developing a Civil War Character for First Person Interpretation” featuring Tammy Denease and Kent Sinram; “Use Your Words,” with the Litchfield Historical Society staff; and a walking tour led by Peter Vermilyea, weather permitting. For detailed information about each session, visit litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

Cost is $50 ($40 for LHS members), $25 for students, with an optional $15 lunch. Reservations are requested by September 14. Call 860-567-4501 for details and reservations.