April 12, 1861 was a crucial day in the history of the United States, and 150 years later, Livingston County will begin a four-year-long commemoration on the local impact of the Civil War.
About a dozen people interested in this project – from town historians to librarians – met in the Livingston County Historians Office Nov. 30 to discuss how to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the war.
County historian Amie Alden said the anniversary in some respects has not gotten much attention, and that she wants to leave a legacy to future generations that the sesquicentennial milestone was honored here.
She said she felt encouraged by the cooperation of local agencies willing to get on board so far, and aims to promote the local recognition beyond the immediate area.
While details haven’t been solidified, Alden hopes to launch the commemoration on or near April 12, 2011 – the anniversary of the shooting at Fort Sumter, which launched the war.
Other projects in observance of the war discussed by Alden include documenting the local abolishionist movement, creating a timeline in the Government Center and developing a sesquicentennial logo.
An idea that seemed to be well received by those in the roundtable discussion was a “what’s in your attic” call-out to area residents to share any Civil War-era items they may have tucked away.
Various organizations such as historical societies, libraries and others will be encouraged to host Civil War displays, talks, cemetery tours and other events that will educate people on how the Civil War impacted the area.
More meetings are expected on the development of the sesquicentennial commemoration.
April 12, 1861 was a crucial day in the history of the United States, and 150 years later, Livingston County will begin a four-year-long commemoration on the local impact of the Civil War.
About a dozen people interested in this project – from town historians to librarians – met in the Livingston County Historians Office Nov. 30 to discuss how to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the war.
County historian Amie Alden said the anniversary in some respects has not gotten much attention, and that she wants to leave a legacy to future generations that the sesquicentennial milestone was honored here.
She said she felt encouraged by the cooperation of local agencies willing to get on board so far, and aims to promote the local recognition beyond the immediate area.
While details haven’t been solidified, Alden hopes to launch the commemoration on or near April 12, 2011 – the anniversary of the shooting at Fort Sumter, which launched the war.
Other projects in observance of the war discussed by Alden include documenting the local abolishionist movement, creating a timeline in the Government Center and developing a sesquicentennial logo.
An idea that seemed to be well received by those in the roundtable discussion was a “what’s in your attic” call-out to area residents to share any Civil War-era items they may have tucked away.
Various organizations such as historical societies, libraries and others will be encouraged to host Civil War displays, talks, cemetery tours and other events that will educate people on how the Civil War impacted the area.
More meetings are expected on the development of the sesquicentennial commemoration.
