Michigan Historical Museum opens exhibit on Civil War

  • 2014-10-31
Lansing residents have a chance to learn more about the American Civil War, thanks to a new exhibit at the Michigan State Historical Museum.

The museum kicked off its Civil War exhibit on October 10 with a number of activities, many of which were suitable for children.

Features of the exhibit include a woman's coat that is thought to have been worn by an audience member at Ford's Theater the night President Lincoln was assassinated, and a tobacco pouch that once belonged to legendary abolitionist Sojourner Truth.

Many states raised regiments of soldiers but only four raised regiments of engineers, and Michigan was one. The regiment was created in Grand Rapids, and built supply lines and railroads to deliver goods to union troops in the South. This regiment features prominently in the exhibit.

The opening Saturday, the exhibit welcomed visitors from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with free admission. Civil War re-enactors were on hand to add to the excitement. Kids were able to help build a model bridge patterned after one the engineering regiment built in Tennessee.

Saturdays are free, but adult admission is usually $6; $2 for those 6-17 years of age; and $4 for seniors. Children aged five and under are free. The exhibit runs through August, 2015.

Museum officials could work with brochure printers to create a booklet about the exhibit to sell in the gift shop.