By Aldrich M. Tan • of The Northwestern • July 6, 2008

Five exhibit cases will display Civil War artifacts from Winnebago County will be located on all floors of the museum, Cross said.

“Our mission is to educate the public about the history of the Lake Winnebago region through quality exhibits,” Cross said. “We have the artifacts and photographs and archival materials that give the history of this region during the Civil War.”

One of the exhibit cases will feature firearms used by Oshkosh soldiers, Cross said. One of the guns is the 49-inch long Sharp's Rifle. The serial number for this rifle matches the serial numbers issued to Col. Hiram Berdan's sharpshooters from the 1st and 2nd United States Volunteer Sharpshooter Regiment. Another exhibit case focuses on Lt. John Hancock. The exhibit will include his officer’s sash, officer’s hat cord, his pocket Bible and a matchcase. Hancock’s letters are stored in the museum archives.

Another exhibit case will feature a drummer boy from Fond du Lac County. Henry Llewellyn Bigford, from Taycheedah, used the drum to help recruit soldiers during the Civil War.

Located on the first floor is an exhibit case containing artifacts used by the common soldier with items from Pvt. James F. Sawyer of Omro. Sawyer was part of Company K in the 21st Wisconsin Infantry. The case also includes a hardtack cracker that is as old as the war.

Historical photographs from the time period will be on display throughout the museum, Cross said. It includes a photo of Capt. James E. Stuart from the 21st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and an oil painting of Stuart’s restored service record.

Stuart survived the war and became an architect who designed the original Oshkosh water tower.

There are several items on loan from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. The uniform of surgeon James Reeve from Appleton is on loan from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum located in Madison, Cross said. Reeve was part of the 21st Wisconsin Infantry.

A hands-on exhibit for children will be on the second floor, Cross said. The exhibit will include fully loaded knapsack so youth can experience what it was like to carry supplies during the war and an unloaded and secured authentic Civil War musket that people can pick up.

Aldrich M. Tan: (920) 426-6663 or atan@thenorthwestern.com.