Journal Tribune and Courier feature Saco Museum Civil War exhibition mounted by UNE history class

The Journal Tribune on April 27, 2013 ran a story on an exhibition, titled "John Haley's Civil War," opening May 3rd at the Saco Museum that is being mounted by a class of 17 UNE undergraduate students.

The Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier on April 25th also ran a column about the exhibition by Leslie Rounds, executive director at Dyer Library and Saco Museum.

The course is taught by Elizabeth A. De Wolfe, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of History & Philosophy, and Camille Smalley '08, collection and research manager for the Saco Museum.

The exhibition, which celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, will feature a treasure trove of artifacts related to the Civil War—prints by Winslow Homer, decorative arts, Civil War weaponry, uniforms, and much more.

During this spring's course, the students have been using the journal kept by Private John Haley (1840-1921), a Saco native, to explore various aspects of the Civil War.

The Journal Tribune story notes that for the past week, UNE students were on hand at the museum, readying the museum’s back gallery for the exhibit they designed, and for which they have written text using pre-selected artifacts.

Student Stephen Snyder '13, a liberal studies major, told the Journal he’s always been enamored with history, and this class gave him a different perspective on the subject.

Political science major Katie Labbe '14 said at first the task to create a museum exhibit seemed daunting, but the class has been a good learning experience. She said she feels like she’s making a difference in the community by providing something they can enjoy and learn from.

“It’s definitely been a rewarding experience,” she said.

Read the Journal Tribune story and the Courier column. The exhibit opens on Friday, May 3, with a free reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m.