Union County Committee Seeks Civil War Artifacts

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently created the Union County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee to raise public awareness about the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War of 1861-65.

“Union County has a rich multi-dimensional history of contributions from its citizens during the Civil War,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, chairman of the newly formed committee. “During the next four years, the Union County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee will place special emphasis on the experiences of Union County residents in the areas of the home front, military, economic and political life of the County.”

The committee plans to promote exhibits, lectures and other events that focus on the experiences of Union County residents during the conflict. Numerous county residents who served their country bravely in combat, and others who played significant civilian roles in preserving the Union, have been identified by the committee.

“In order to fully commemorate this momentous time in American history, we are asking the public to lend us any family photographs or other physical artifacts from the Civil War period that you may have,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “We intend to exhibit Civil War artifacts at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth and we hope to conduct educational programs around the county. We would appreciate your help in making these activities as representative as possible.”

For further information about the Union County Civil War Committee, please call Ms. Rajoppi’s office, 908-527-4787.