Two New Civil War Exhibits Open Next Week at Elmhurst Historical Museum

Beginning Sept. 27 and running through Dec. 11, the Elmhurst Historical Museum will host two new exhibits.

Between the States: Photographs of the American Civil War from the George Eastman House collection, focuses on the Civil War through the lenses of early American photographers. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of "Mr. Lincoln's War," the exhibit presents a selection of facsimiles of rare photographs depicting historical Civil War sites by photographers George Barnard, Mathew Brady, Alexander Gardner and more.

Also coming Sept. 27 is the exhibit, Letters from Home. The Civil War's local impact comes to life through original artwork created by the Elmhurst Artists Guild and inspired by Elmhurst Historical Museum's collection of Civil War era letters from area resident Frederick Fischer and his family.

On exhibition for the first time, these artistic interpretations offer an intimate depiction of the ordeals experienced by soldiers at war and their families on the home front. Visitors can listen to recorded excerpts from letters detailing skirmishes with Confederate soldiers, the drudgery of daily duties and sad news of a sibling's death in the line of duty.

The exhibit is sponsored by Dr. David Pezen and supported by Elmhurst Artists Guild, Elmhurst College and Green Man Theatre Troupe.

The museum, at 120 E. Park Ave., is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free. For more information, call (630) 833-1457 or visit www.elmhursthistory.org.