Civil War exhibit opens at University Museum
written by Paula M. Davenport
 CARBONDALE,
Ill. - A battle-weary flag, bone-splintering shot and a hand-carved
drum - all recovered from our own Civil War - join other goose-bump
raising artifacts on display throughout the summer at Southern
Illinois University Carbondale's University Museum.
The items fill a special exhibition case in the Museum foyer, in
the north end of Faner Hall. Admission is free.
Tim Taylor of Ziegler, an SIUC history major with an interest in
museum studies, created "The Civil War in Illinois"
exhibit as part of a class taught by one of the Museum's curators,
Lorilee C. Huffman.
Highlights include such priceless pieces as a hand-sewn American
flag stitched by a number of Sparta women and used to recruit foot
soldiers for three of the region's Union Infantry regiments, a snare
drum carried into battle by 18th Illinois Infantryman John Parker of
Ava, a heavy wool uniform, Confederate currency and images of
soldiers and officers.
"Putting together this exhibit has probably been the best
learning experience of my four years in college," said Taylor.
"Working with the real objects and real documents has been a
real eye opener."
The Civil War objects will be on display through September 30.
The University Museum is located at the north end of Faner Hall
on the SIUC campus. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through
Saturday and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday when the University is in
session (beginning Tuesday, June 11). Admission is free.
Parking is available in lots near the Student Center.
Call the museum weekdays at 618/453-5388, or e-mail the staff at
museum@siu.edu, for tours and other information. To check the
museum's schedule on-line, go to http://www.museum.siu.edu/.
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