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I spent Friday at the New York Historical Society where they have two special exhibits related to the Civil War. There is a third exhibit which consists of broadsides about New York Zouaves (of different regiments) and the zouave movement but whether it is a permanent or special exhibit is unknown to me. One special exhibit consisted of letters from the front. It was a small, one gallery exhibit with letters written by soldiers and transcriptions of the same. The larger exhibit concerned New York during the Civil War. Entitled "New York Divided," the exhibit covered the issue of freedom for blacks and other interests such as commerce. The exhibit shows that before the war, about 38 cents out of every dollar generated by cotton remained in New York (cotton brokers, shippers, insurers) and how ante-bellum New York was openly friendly to Southerners to the extent of ignoring the 90 day limit on slaves who accompanied their masters there (after 90 days, they were freeman). The Draft Riots are discussed along with various personalities, both black and white, who were influential in the period. Well worth visiting, it is free on Fridays from 6-8pm.
What makes the NYHS unique among historical societies or museums is how their 4th floor collections is made somewhat accessible. There, many of their objects are viewable on their storage shelves through a plexiglass barrier that keeps our eager mitts off. A complete Zouave uniform is displayed on the 4th floor. Some firearms naturally are included including a three band Enfield rifle and civil war accoutrements. Other firearms related items include a Brown Bess (long pattern) and a decadent era Long Rifle displayed with several fowlers or muskets and some scrimshawed powder horns.
Their research library is pretty good and I spent some time there reading some of their original documents.
If in the Big Apple, be sure to set aside an entire day for the New York Historical Society. As history buffs, you owe it to yourself.
What makes the NYHS unique among historical societies or museums is how their 4th floor collections is made somewhat accessible. There, many of their objects are viewable on their storage shelves through a plexiglass barrier that keeps our eager mitts off. A complete Zouave uniform is displayed on the 4th floor. Some firearms naturally are included including a three band Enfield rifle and civil war accoutrements. Other firearms related items include a Brown Bess (long pattern) and a decadent era Long Rifle displayed with several fowlers or muskets and some scrimshawed powder horns.
Their research library is pretty good and I spent some time there reading some of their original documents.
If in the Big Apple, be sure to set aside an entire day for the New York Historical Society. As history buffs, you owe it to yourself.
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