Exhibit Lenders Get Preview Look at 'Gone for a Soldier'

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum recently held a special Exhibit Lenders reception, in conjunction with its upcoming "Gone for a Soldier" exhibit, to open on Nov. 6.

The press release is below:

Civil War object lenders from across New Jersey and surrounding states traveled to Morristown on Oct. 22 for the Civil War Exhibit Lenders' Reception. This was their opportunity to see the pieces they have loaned on display before . 

Private lenders and representatives from organizations who loaned objects enjoyed visiting the Museum and sharing stories of their objects with fellow attendees. They also had the opportunity to visit the period rooms of Macculloch and learn more about the family home and its ties to the Civil War period.

Until now, many of the stories of the major contributions of Jerseymen to the Civil War effort have remained untold. "Gone for a Soldier: Jerseymen in the Civil War" will make a major contribution toward telling these stories. The exhibit brings together for the first time nearly 200 objects from the Civil War from nearly 30 museums, historical societies and private collections.

There will be another opportunity to see this landmark exhibit before it opens to the public when the Museum hosts an exclusive ticketed preview reception on Nov. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. The reception will feature intimate tours of the exhibit given by members of the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, refreshments, hors d’oeuvres as well as an opportunity to tour Macculloch Hall’s period rooms. During the evening guests will have the opportunity to meet “President Lincoln,” portrayed by Civil War reenactor Bob Costello.

In addition, the Libby Prison Minstrels will perform a selection of the music of the Civil War to welcome guests, open the exhibit and entertain them throughout the evening. The Minstrels have been performing since the early 1990s with their guitar, mandolin, banjo and three part vocal harmonies. They have performed for audiences from New England to Florida. The music is kept to the original styles with careful attention to a connection to the history and sounds of the period. Their 1861 version of the National Anthem has been performed in prestigious locations such as, The New Jersey State House, Ford’s Theater and the U.S. Capitol.

Tickets are limited, and are available for purchase through the Museum’s website at www.maccullochhall.org.