Join us for an upcoming program at the Old Capitol Museum!
Gallery Talk and Closing Exhibit Reception
May 16, 2013 ~ 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
*Gallery Talk with co-curator Shalla Ashworth will begin at 5:30 p.m.
In conjunction with the current exhibit “Gone to See the Elephant: The Civil War through the Eyes of Iowa Soldiers,” the Old Capitol Museum will be hosting a free talk with Shalla Ashworth, Associate Director of the Old Capitol Museum, on May 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Hanson Family Humanities Gallery. Ashworth will talk about the six Iowans featured in the exhibit and how the Civil War affected their lives, as well as how and why the exhibit came together. The closing reception will begin at 5 p.m. with light refreshments and continue after the talk until 7 p.m.
The exhibit “Gone to See the Elephant: The Civil War through the Eyes of Iowa Soldiers” will close on May 26. The exhibit, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, examines the important role of the State of Iowa and the University of Iowa during the war, and features primary resources, artifacts, historical documents, and educational programming. Visitors can see how Iowa soldiers experienced daily camp life, faced injuries on the battlefield, survived prisoner camps, and longed for home.
To enhance the experience for visitors relating to Civil War stories, five eastern Iowans’ personal stories will be featured including Nick Messenger, a UI student wounded in the 22nd Iowa, and Walcott Seymour, the grandson of an Iowa legislator that worked in the Old Capitol building who returned from the 15th Iowa unharmed. Among the fascinating artifacts showcased in the Civil War exhibit, are a cast set of President Abraham Lincoln’s hands, a handwritten diary of Henry Clay Seymour, and a large collection of period armaments.
Throughout the exhibit, programming has included lecture series given by local and national Civil War scholars, family movie screenings, children’s activities, and a historical cooking event. The Old Capitol Museum gift shop continues to feature Civil War merchandise, including Civil War cypher wheels and books on local Civil War topics.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. For more information on the UI Pentacrest Museums and Old Capitol Museum call (319) 335-0548.
*Currently on Display*
Gone to See the Elephant: The Civil War through the Eyes of Iowa Soldiers
The exhibit Gone to See the Elephant: The Civil War through the Eyes of Iowa Soldiers will be on display at the Old Capitol Museum’s Hanson Family Humanities Gallery through May 26th, 2013.
*For a list of programs offered in conjunction with the exhibit, click here, or visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~oldcap/CivilWarexhibitprograms.shtml
*Currently on Display*
"Iowa's Ice Age Giants"
April 18, 2013 - August 5, 2013
Located in the Pentacrest Museums Gallery
*Currently on Display*
"Herkys!"
Visit the 2nd Floor Rotunda to view the signed touring Herkys from University of Iowa classes; 2013, 2014, 2015, & 2016!
