We love musical theater. We love history. I guess that means that for our family, musical theater and history may just be a match made in heaven.

Singing a song from Pins and Needles in Simply Broadway four times daily in the Town Hall.

Whether it’s Simply Broadway in the Town Hall, the Model-T medley performed outside near the Scotch Settlement School House at Greenfield Village, or catching Shenandoah the Musical at the Anderson Theater in the Henry Ford Museum, we’ve discovered that opportunities for music, history and entertainment abound this summer at The Henry Ford.

After a few rounds on the carousel at Greenfield Village one day last week, I convinced five-year-old Lillian to make a stop at the Town Hall for the 3:30 performance of this year’s musical review, Simply Broadway. The show is excerpts from some well-known Broadway musicals from the 1920s to 1940s, cleverly tied together with personal letters from folks who had seen the shows in their time.

Lillian poses with one of the fine actors from Simply Broadway.

I’m always a fan of the summer show in the Village, and this year’s once again did not disappoint. The performances are always strong, and the acoustics in the Town Hall are a singer’s dream. The small venue and brief show is also a perfect introduction to a musical theater performance for the younger set. (And the air-conditioned building is also a much-welcomed break from the hot summer weather.)

Lillian was thoroughly engaged and loved every moment of the show. She quickly recognized songs from Oklahoma and Showboat, two favorites in our household. Other numbers the four-person cast sang came from Pal Joey, On the Town, Pins and Needles, Anything Goes, and Carousel. The show ended with a rousing “There’s No Business Like Show Business” from Annie Get your Gun.

On the same day, Lillian and I enjoyed the Model-T medley performed by singers outside by the Scotch Settlement Schoolhouse and a little puppet show that was staged right across the street from Town Hall.

Singers perform a charming Model-T Medley near the Scotch Settlement Schoolhouse.

I also had the opportunity to attend last Friday’s opening night performance of Shenandoah the Musical, presented by the Players Guild of Dearborn at the Henry Ford Museum’s Anderson Theater. Although the Anderson Theater isn’t the Players Guild’s regular venue, the show, set in Virginia during the Civil War, was a fitting addition to The Henry Ford’s calendar.  The museum’s exhibit Discovering the Civil War runs through Sept. 5.

Friday night’s show opened to a full house and was well received by the audience. The Tony Award winning musical was written in 1975 and is based on the 1965 movie Shenandoah which starred Jimmy Stewart.

It’s a story about a farmer who finds his 500-acres of Virginia land in the center of the Civil War conflict. He doesn’t want any part in the war and says it’s the state’s war, not “his war.” Unfortunately, when Union soldiers capture the youngest of his six sons, he finds he doesn’t have much of a choice.

I found the story to be very engaging. There were some strong performances, some exceptionally charming moments as well as some deeply moving and tragic scenes. One of my favorite moments was a song called, “Why am I Me?” wonderfully performed by the youngest cast members, Quentin Jensen and Alberice Jarreau.

Two young actors sing "Why am I Me?"

Mike Moseley, who played the farmer, brought both good humor and grit to the role. Also notable was Jacob Dombrowski’s delightful portrayal of the occasionally awkward Sam.

Considering I think the last show I saw in the Anderson Theater was “Of Thee I Sing” a long, long, time ago, it was a joy seeing a musical in that beautiful theater.

There are four more performances of the show scheduled for this weekend. One at 8 p.m. Friday; a 2:30 p.m. matinee and 8 p.m. show on Saturday, and the final performance is at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are general admission and can be purchased in advance through the Players Guild or at the door.

It’s true. I am a historic reenactor wannabe. And I have some confessions to make.

Confession #1

I have a fear of being a farb.

A big farby farb at that.

And that, my friends, is what is keeping me from being a historic reenactor. Okay, that and all the work and expense involved. Oh, and wearing layer upon layer of heavy garments in 90 degree weather. And did I mention this part? Being a farb.

A farb is sort of the ultimate reenactor diss. If you are unauthentic, you are a farb. For example, if you wear an antebellum gown made of a polyester blend complete with nylon zipper, your dress is farby. At best. Here’s a news alert: There was no polyester before the Civil War. Or during the war. Or anytime in that century for that matter. That gem of manmade genius wasn’t used in clothing until the mid 1950s. So that would be one serious 100-year farby blunder. You’d get voted right off the island.

Confesssion #2

In my family, the wannabe part appears to be hereditary.

I got so excited when I saw that there was going to the first-ever 1812 military muster and encampment at Greenfield Village this month. When I shared the good news with my husband and kids, almost in harmony (at least to my ears) they said, “Yessss!! Can we go?”

Why the enthusiasm?

A beautiful display of rifles and carbines.

Well, certain things are a given. My husband, Richard, and nine-year-old son, Henry, love the military stuff. The drills, the demonstrations, the weaponry, the uniforms and supplies. Pots of stew over campfires that were started without matches. And cannons. (I wonder if there will be cannons?) They love all that’s military and muster. Our two-year-old son, Clifford, loves the horses. Give him time on the rest of it.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy that, too, and so do our two bigger girls, Helen and Mary Claire. Five-year-old Lillian, not so much. She isn’t a big fan of anything loud (except, apparently, herself). Perhaps eventually she will understand that the battle drills and glimpses into military life are an interesting history lesson. But in the meantime, she happily joins her sisters and me as we take a dip in the oh-so-stereotypical pool. My girls and I just love the women’s fashions and seeing the children dressed in period clothing. Lillian is all about long skirts and things that twirl. We adore the little boys and girls in simple dresses and skirts. And we didn’t even know that little boys wore dress until we officially became wannabes. So lookie there, a lesson lies in every bit of dreaming about reenacting.

Pretty things.

Confession #3

We have convinced ourselves that we were born to be reenactors.

It’s been a dozen years or more that Richard and I have been declaring that we were going to someday get it together and be part of an encampment or join some kind of group that could accomodate our family’s interest in participating.

One year, early in our desire, I was combing through beautiful sewing patterns at one of the encampment displays, quietly admiring and dreaming. A woman came up to me and told me I was built just like women of the 1800s because I had small shoulders. During that same visit, someone approached my husband, with his uniquely trimmed goatee, and inquired if he was a reenactor.  When we shared our stories with each other, we were convinced that we were MEANT to be reenactors. (Okay, I was born for it, and my husband could shave for it … close enough.)

Confession # 4

As our family has grown, our wannabe-ing hasn’t waned. Just our time and resources have. But we can still dream the dream that, for our family, apparently doesn’t fade.

A simple camp site.

This year was no different. After our annual Memorial Day visit to the Civil War encampment at Greenfield Village, our oldest two daughters faithfully declared their love for the gowns and the goodies that come with those amazing period ensembles. And our nine-year-old son renewed his profession of love for the weapons and uniforms. It’s true, we spent the better part of the next weeks fielding questions like, “When can I get a knife like that? When can I get a revolver?” And I can’t begin to number the dress patterns and historic fabrics uncovered by countless late-night internet searches.

Each year, we eagerly drink in the sights and the smells and marvel at the effort and authenticity. As a family, we share our dreams of having our own little tent, complete with the furnishings and accouterments necessary to authentically reenact. Our car ride home often feels like one of those what-would-you-do-if-you-won-the-lottery fantasy chains.

Confession #5

We are in awe of those who reenact in encampments and for the Henry Ford. It wasn’t until just recently that I learned that the reenactors at Greenfield Village are dressed the part right down to their undergarments. The clothing they wear is sewn just for them, and authentically. I guess that would be a major farb-pas to be unauthentic at America’s Greatest History Attraction. If appropriate for the time period, women are wearing corsets and the whole nine yards. (Another mini confession: After five children, that corset actually sounds more appealing than endless crunches.)

When we visit the camps set up for the non-military folk, we admire the needlework and handmade goods, the varied furnishings, and the simple feasts made and shared among the reenactors. We drink in the presented simplicity, while recognizing the logistical feat it must take for those involved to be there. We marvel at all the breakable items successfully packed and transported in an effort to share some historic treasures with strangers (like us) who peruse the grounds. One of our fondest memories is that of watching a sweet wedding of two reenactors years ago. (Another confession: I am just realizing as I write this, that probably wasn’t a real wedding.)

Confession #6

I realize, we’ll probably never actually become reenactors.

Our daughters agree: temperance is serious stuff.

As much as we’ve thought about it, and the more we know what’s involved, the more we recognize it’s most likely not in the cards for us. I’m quite sure I don’t have the space to store everything, the means to transport it, and the schedule that would allow for any of it. And although I sew, I’m afraid to tackle such a huge undertaking for seven people. It would probably take me so long to make one dress for one of the girls, it would be outgrown before ever worn.

Still, I can assure you, although we’ll never stop pondering the “what if” we did reenact, we will continue to enjoy every piece of history so carefully preserved and shared by those amazing folks who actually do.

Greenfield Village will be hosting its first ever 1812 encampment and muster, Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21. We’re looking forward to checking out how that differs from the Civil War encampment that’s in the Village every Memorial Day weekend. Also, if you’re interested in all-things Civil War, check out the special exhibit “Discovering the Civil War.” It’s in the Henry Ford Museum until Sept. 5. I’ve been informed by my kids that there is also a limited edition Mold-A-Rama of a Civil War era cannon for the making. It’s right near the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. After the exhibit closes, that mold is going to be retired. If you haven’t yet forked over two bucks to make a Mold-A-Rama, you should. They are cool (and cost-effective!) souvenirs that are fun to collect.

In recognition of our upcoming Independence Day, Marilyn Zoidis – our director of historical resources – compiled a selection of patriotic music from our collections to share with you; you might be surprised to learn how far back this sentiment runs!

Patriotic music has an early history for the United States – even before we were a nation, as we were still fighting for our independence from Great Britain.

As we move through time, one of the things you’ll notice is that there tends to be a resurgence of patriotism during wars, so oftentimes the songs reflect the conflicts of the period. One of the most famous war songs is “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was written by Francis Scott Key during the war of 1812 and became our national anthem.

Through the years, the music is really a way for Americans to understand their identity as Americans. The songs convey both themes of American citizenship and ideals of the nation.

There is a real proliferation of music during the Civil War, when it was a time to celebrate the cause and express devotion to the nation and heartfelt feelings about the troops. The troops themselves would sing songs around the campfire and march to patriotic music, and people at home would sing them as a way to comfort themselves and remember the ideals for which the troops were fighting. (To learn even more about this era, be sure to see the Discovering the Civil War exhibition inside Henry Ford Museum, on display now through September 5.)

Some of the sheet music from that period is particularly stunning; the document may be fragile, but the sentiment of this piece is crystal clear.

The American flag was one of the preeminent symbols of the American Civil War; it was really the time when the flag took on a prominence that it had not previously had. As you look through our collection, you can really see the presence of the American flag and other symbols of the nation.

Oftentimes, music would also symbolize specific battles or events – sometimes detailed in vivid color, elaborate illustrations and plenty of iconography, like this example.

Speaking of iconography, there are references to Uncle Sam very early on as well. Uncle Sam is a figure that changes quite a bit over time; he starts off as a pretty scrawny-looking version and becomes much more masculine and forceful as America’s military role and importance changes, as does the representation of the American eagle.

Some songs are more explicitly military-focused, while others are more subtle; patriotic music covered a range of emotions of the population of the time – music really is a good example of the range of sentiments at any time in a country’s history.

The mixing of religion and patriotism really began during the Civil War as well, with songs like “God Save the Flag of Our Native Land” serving as prime examples of this.

“Dixie for the Union” is an interesting example of patriotic music; Dixie of course was one of the more popular songs of the South, so even as you look at the words of this song, it expresses love of one’s country but also feelings of animosity toward the enemy. Some of the language of these documents really explained the tensions felt in our society and the country at the time, as well as some of the sad points in our nation’s history.

After the Civil War, this feeling of patriotism really flourishes, and there is a sense of coming together in many ways and expressing this through patriotic symbolism – it’s when the “Pledge of Allegiance” begins and other manifestations of love of country.

Something else that flourishes at this time is band music – and of course, John Philip Sousa is the king of marches, especially this piece: “The Stars and Stripes Forever!”

People would gather for community concerts, often held at the village green or other center of town; grandstands or bandstands would be set up for local community bands to perform, which was another outgrowth of the Civil War – coronet bands were especially popular during this time. This way of Americans coming together was something that continued during the Fourth of July and other national celebrations – and it’s something that we even continue today at The Henry Ford, through events like Salute to America in Greenfield Village!

This piece is from World War I and is a strong example of the two sides of productivity in the United States during times of conflict: production of arms for war and industrial America.

Of course, World War I was a conflict that America didn’t enter right away, but there was the sentiment that we should be prepared for it – so the title of this, “You’d Better Raise Your Boy to be a Soldier,” showed that even if war wasn’t imminent, it’s something that is always with us and that you could be called upon at any time to help defend our country. The color choice of this piece is also interesting – it’s very much of the period, and not the traditional red-white-and-blue color scheme of most patriotic pieces.

Heading into World War II, themes like this harkens back to the fife-and-drum of the Revolutionary War and the modern tanks of the era, showing a real juxtaposition of the iconography and messages from an earlier time still resonate and carry through various wars.

Musical pieces such as “Soldier Boy” combine the military theme with a more personal element to the war, showing the military men in their various uniforms. Another interesting element to this piece is the personal inscription near the bottom, from the composer to Henry Ford (“Mr. Ford”)!

Many Hollywood stars and very famous composers, including Richard Rodgers and Irving Berlin (who wrote many patriotic songs), also did their part to help lend a bit of star power to the war effort through music, canteens and USO shows – it was a way for them to express their patriotism, if not through direct military efforts but to show their support through their talent and support from the homefront.

These songs really capture a range of patriotic ideas, from the need to support the troops and the ideas for which America stands to even isolationism – this broad range provides a wide lens into what Americans were thinking and feeling at various times in our history. We see this even in recent times, from forms of protest songs during the Vietnam War to a resurgence of patriotic songs after September 11, 2011.

Patriotic music has been a part of our celebrations, our tragedies and who we are as Americans even before we were considered a nation; I hope you’ll take the time to explore these collections at the Benson Ford Research Center and learn even more for yourself!

What is your favorite patriotic song?

Earlier this week, we had the wonderful opportunity to host a most historic document: the Emancipation Proclamation.

This document, which was issued and signed by President Abraham Lincoln, formally proclaimed freedom for all slaves and invited black men to join the Union Army and Navy, resulting in the enlistment of approximately 200,000 freed slaves and free black people before the Civil War’s end. (For more details on the document, and why it can only be displayed for 36 hours at a time, check out the National Archives’ Prologue blog post on the Emancipation Proclamation’s visit to our museum.)

As word spread about the document’s visit, the excitement and anticipation began to build across the Metro Detroit area – and when it was all said and done, an astonishing 21,015 people streamed past this historic document at Henry Ford Museum in 36 hours.

Just before the Emancipation Proclamation was made available for public viewing, our opening ceremony welcomed visitors and set the stage for this exciting event with remarks by our chairman of the board, Evan Weiner; our president, Patricia Mooradian; and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith, whose maternal and paternal grandparents were slaves.

Afterwards, groups like the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit performed both solemn and rousing gospel songs for the rapidly-growing crowd.

The wait to see this historic document was long at times – up to eight hours – but most guests remained in high spirits, enjoying the performances on the stage near the exhibit, participating in hands-on activities like “enlisting” in the Army or taking breaks to check out artifacts throughout the museum, which was also completely open and free of charge during this timeframe.

And an honor guard – comprised of the Headquarters Guard, 5th U.S. Colored Troops, Company C and 102nd U.S. Colored Troops – stood at rapt attention near the document at all times.

Once again, we wish to send a huge thank you to everyone who turned out to see this important part of American history. We were truly honored to be able to host the Emancipation Proclamation, and humbled to see the response by our fellow Metro Detroiters. This was an experience we’ll never forget, and we hope you won’t, either!

How did seeing the actual Emancipation Proclamation impact you? Tell us here!

Today at 6 p.m., we begin our round-the-clock vigil and viewing of the original Emancipation Proclamation at Henry Ford Museum.

The doors to the museum will re-open at 6 p.m., and the evening will kick off with an opening ceremony at 6:35 p.m. featuring remarks by our president, Patricia Mooradian, and chairman of the board, Evan Weiner. The acclaimed Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit’s Mosaic Singers will be our first performers, and the doors to the Discovering the Civil War exhibition will open for public viewing of the Emancipation Proclamation at 7 p.m.

For a full listing of available amenities, the back story of the Emancipation Proclamation and the document’s wording in its entirety, check out the program here:

During this special viewing – from 6 p.m. on Monday, June 20 until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22 – the entire museum will be open around the clock, free of charge! Parking will be available (also free of charge) in our designated parking lots – but since there may be heavy attendance during peak times, be sure to wear comfortable shoes not only for traveling from the parking lots to the museum, but for standing in line as well.

And don’t forget: Photography is NOT permitted inside the Discovering the Civil War exhibit or when viewing the Emancipation Proclamation document. But feel free to take photographs throughout the rest of Henry Ford Museum during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you here for this historic event!

In 1872, J. Wesley Benedict – a resident of Port Huron, Michigan – began writing”The Last Camp,” a moving poem to commemorate the many lives lost during the Civil War. The original copy of this poignant tribute to fallen military heroes is now part of the collections at The Henry Ford, and is on display inside the Village Pavilion during Civil War Remembrance. Today, it will be read near the end of our noon Memorial Day commemoration on the Village Green.

And from all of us at The Henry Ford, a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of the military personnel – past and present – who have helped defend our great nation. We truly appreciate you!

The Last Camp

(1872)

One

We have met in the camp where our heroes are resting,

Who stood by that flag that floats o’er their graves,

Through their faces are hid we shall never forget them,

Nor our voices keep silent in accents of praise.

Two

How ready and willing when the nation was calling,

They put on the armor, the union to save,

Through the storm clouds of fire, that round them were raging,

They fought, bled, and died, neath our flag that still waves.

Three

Their deeds so heroic, in effulgence are shining,

To their names all immortal, pure homage we bring,

In tokens of honor, we have gathered together,

To strew o’er their graves the flowers of the Spring.

Four

No power on earth can awake them to battle,

They have conquered through death the greatest of foes,

They will suffer no more from earth’s trials and conflicts,

In these graves they are taking the final repose.

Five

Here victory and peace in silence commingles,

Here beauty and fragrance doth richly abound,

Here! Here! Lie the martyrs who will ne’er be forgotten,

In these dark lonely cells ‘neath these grasses covered mounds.

Six

Go cover their tombs with the sweetest of flowers,

Come sing o’er these loved ones.  Your requiems low,

May we feel in our hearts pure gratitude flowing,

For those heroes who died with their face to the foe.

Seven

How many in prison under vandal oppression,

Found death by starvation, their only relief,

May we feel in our hearts pure gratitude flowing,

For those heroes who dies with their face to the foe.

Eight

Aye!  Well can America boast of her freedom,

Unequaled in liberty, wealth, and renown,

She was bought with a price that equals her value,

It’s the lives of our heroes in the graves we stand round.

Nine

May peace like the Sun, shine over our nation,

And hope and prosperity, lighten the gloom,

‘Till the glorious reunion in the eternal Kingdom,

Where all shall awake from earth’s sorrowing tomb.

(Twenty-two years later)

Ten

The years have fled by like a bird on the wing,

And our comrades grown aged, and gray,

They are fast passing over to join the dead heroes,

Where no one can tell the Blue from the Gray.

Eleven

The once might army’s great chieftains; departed!

Together with many, as true and as brave,

Our memory still clings to their names and their Glory,

Tho absent they speak to us now from the grave.

Twelve

Fraternity sounds the glad word of reunion

And comrades, greet comrades like brothers again,

God bless the grand army, of this mighty nation,

True patriots, staunch heroes, and bravest of men.

Thirteen

Leave a place in your hearts, young men of our nation,

For these loyal old comrades, who are meeting today,

They will soon cross the river to join the great Army,

Where suffering and trials, have all passed away.

If you’re a Civil War enthusiast, it’s your lucky weekend.

This Saturday through Monday, Civil War Remembrance returns to Greenfield Village, with more than 600 civilian and military re-enactors bringing to life every aspect of what it was like to live during this trying time for our country.

We have special extended evening hours on Saturday, with Greenfield Village open until 9 p.m. – make sure to stay for a special concert of Civil War-era music pieces performed by the Dodworth Saxhorn Band at 7 p.m.!

There are dozens of special activities and presentations all weekend long, so be sure to plan ahead – check the map (below) for descriptions and times.

Civil War Remembrance has truly become one of Greenfield Village’s most beloved programs, not only for its authentic demonstrations of everything from military tactical drills to family encampments, but also for our Memorial Day observances for active and retired military personnel. If you haven’t seen the period-clothed women lay down their wreaths on the Village Green or watched as military members of all divisions step forward to be warmly recognized and thanked by thousands of visitors, make sure to see it this year – you may find it hard to maintain your composure as well.

And of course, Discovering the Civil War is on display inside Henry Ford Museum; be sure to take a stroll through this informative exhibit to help round out your knowledge of the back stories of the Civil War era.

What is your favorite part of Civil War Remembrance?

Tomorrow is the big opening day for Discovering the Civil War in Henry Ford Museum!

This unparalleled collection of documents and artifacts from the National Archives – displayed during the 150th anniversary of the war – is a Civil War buff’s dream, with untold stories and unusual perspectives that are sure to pique the interest of even the most well-read students of this tumultuous chapter of American history.

Tomorrow also begins our lecture series for Discovering the Civil War. First up is “Why Does the Civil War Matter Today?” with David Finney, a United States Army veteran, retired award-winning history teacher and historical commentator for several Civil War film documentaries. His knowledge of the Civil War is extraordinarily broad, making him a highly sought-after speaker to Civil War roundtables, historical and genealogical societies and professional organizations. The lecture begins at 10 a.m. in Anderson Theater, and is free to the public; no ticket is required. Finney will speak for 45 minutes and take audience questions for another 15 minutes.

This is also the second – and last! – weekend for our special spring activities in Greenfield Village; make sure to stop by and give a few of them a try!

Finally, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is now showing in 3D at The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre! Tickets are going fast for all shows, so be sure to call ahead or purchase your tickets in advance – Captain Jack Sparrow is a sight to see on Michigan’s largest screen!

What do YOU have planned for this weekend?

Everyone here is so excited for Saturday’s opening of the Discovering the Civil War exhibit in the museum! Archivists, employees and volunteers from The Henry Ford and the National Archives are all putting the finishing touches on what is sure to be an amazing exhibit. Ready for a behind-the-scenes look?

Discovering the Civil War is unlike any exhibit we have had before for many reasons, but especially because of its use of social media and guest involvement. Along with audio features, it has a live streaming Twitter feed that allows everyone to comment on what they saw and give feedback at the end of the exhibit via Tweet.

The exhibit also ties into Michigan efforts in the war in many areas including the cannon from the Loomis Battery Association, which fought for the Union during the war under Colonel Cyrus O. Loomis from Michigan. The cannon was in federal service from 1861 to 1865 and the battery is famous for its crucial involvement in the battle in Perryville, Kentucky.

The exhibit also focuses on many unknown stories of the Civil War. Sarah Emma Edmonds Seelye, under the alias of Frank Thompson, fought for the Union states and was injured in battle; after returning home to her role as a wife and mother, she applied for a pension for her efforts – and after much difficulty, finally succeeded in receiving her soldier’s pension of $12 per month. (Make sure to check out this earlier blog post to learn more about women’s many roles to aid Civil War efforts.)

Just outside of the exhibit, we are also busy establishing a special Civil War-themed store that features interesting and authentic gifts ranging from books and pen sets to bonnets and dress clothes for children.

We can’t wait to see your reaction to this exciting exhibit; it runs until September 5th and we’ll have many lectures and special events along the way – including the original Emancipation Proclamation, which will travel to the museum all the way from Washington, D.C. and will be on public display June 20-22.

What are you looking forward to seeing in the exhibit?

We are only a few weeks away from the grand unveiling of this summer’s Henry Ford Museum exhibit – Discovering the Civil War, the most comprehensive collection of Civil War documents, stories and artifacts ever assembled, straight from the National Archives – so today, our manager of special programs, Brian Egen (who is also a quite well-known Civil War historian) and Jody Chansuolme, director of museums and cultural affairs for the City of Wyandotte, are giving us a glimpse into what life was like for those the soldiers had to leave behind.

“Arouse then dear ladies, do not act from impulse, but let working for the soldiers be your steady purpose and aim till the war is at an end. Do not fold your hands and discuss the questions whether you think the North is right. If you will not work for your country, work for humanity sake. God does not designate who is to be the recipient when he says, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

- Detroit Free Press, Nov. 12, 1861

Most women were affected by the war in some way. For most, sending loved ones to fight often left new responsibility, anxiety and worry in their stead.

But must the women sit and wait while the men went off to fight? Not at all!

Women fought the war in their own ways on the home front – and in so doing, played a crucial role in helping the war effort.

Many women were faced with the desire to alleviate their frustrations and stress by contributing to the needs of their far-off loved ones, and they were already accustomed to working together in aid of their churches – so with the Civil War wrenching loved ones from their homes, why not organize for the soldier’s benefit?

Generally, the greatest activism on behalf of women was by those who had a loved one fighting; those that had a husband, brother or son participating in some way were more likely to feel the need to contribute themselves, even if that meant simply sewing garments and sending them to soldiers they knew. We know today of their efforts through diaries, letters, newspaper accounts and service in various organizations, including local and national aid societies, which provided a channel for the compassion for soldiers by all women.

Soldiers’ Aid Societies

Hundreds of benevolent aid groups sprang up after the fall of Fort Sumter. These were often church-based, and early efforts of local groups were sporadic and insular. Hometowns vied with one another in providing everything “their boys” needed.

Boxes sent were usually of a good size, often either a shoe-case or a common soapbox, and were rarely (if ever) sent in small quantities. Each little corner and crevice was utilized, stuffed with a potato here, an apple there, a handful of peanuts and other necessities.

United States Sanitary Commission

Born of the Women’s Central Relief Association of New York City, this group was formed April 29, 1861 and became an official agency of the United States government on June 18 of that same year following legislation signed by President Abraham Lincoln to coordinate the volunteer efforts of women who wanted to contribute to the war effort of the Union States. It was the first organization to train nurses and find ways for women to work for sick and wounded soldiers.

United States Christian Commission

An outgrowth of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the United States Christian Commission was formed in early June, 1863 in Chicago. The group collected and sent Bibles and religious literature to the front, while also sending ministers as its delegates to volunteer in army hospitals and on the front lines.

American Union Commission

This group was organized in New York in October 1864 to aid in the restoration of the Union upon the basis of freedom, industry, education and Christian morality. They collected donations of blankets, socks, bed-gowns, undershirts and drawers, sheets and pillows, dressing gowns, slippers and towels.

Food for the sick was also requested, including farina, corn starch, cocoa, condensed milk, dried fruit, jelly, spices, butter, pickles, whiskey and fruit syrups. For the wounded, lint, bandages, compresses, ring pads and cushions of hair or feathers to support wounded limbs were sent to soldiers across the battlefields.

Supplies were boxed by local groups and sent to one of four addresses in the Union: two in the East, one in West Virginia and one in Cincinnati.

Sanitary Fairs

Held in towns across the union, these fairs provided an opportunity for local communities to see themselves as part of a larger nation while also benefiting soldiers. Shopping, entertainment, historical vignettes, food and novelty displays were all part of the fairs.

The first sanitary fair was held in Chicago, from October 27 to November 7, 1863. Called the Northwestern Soldiers’ Fair, the event raised almost $100,000 for the war effort – which is nearly $1.8 million in today’s equivalency!

It included a six mile-long parade of militiamen, bands, political leaders, delegations from various local organizations and a contingent of farmers, who presented carts full of their crops. Large-scale exhibitions, including displays of art, mechanical technology, and period rooms were also on display – a feature that carried over to other sanitary fairs, as it called upon ideas of the American past, a history that local communities held in common.

Do you know of any female ancestors who participated in any of these efforts? How else do you think women may have assisted in the war effort?