Opening Today!

At long last, we are able to say that our Civil War exhibit is open! Though there have been some delays (due to the arrival of fantastic new exhibit cases for our Donor Hall), this exhibit is worth the wait. “Echoes of the War: The Civil War Sesquicentennial” draws on the rich holdings of Special Collections and University Archives to explore the war’s major themes and to highlight the experiences of ordinary Americans during the conflict. From the debates over slavery and abolition that presaged the onset of the war, to the experiences of both Northern and Southern fronts, the exhibit seeks to move viewers away from the noise of battle and closer to the daily experiences of both soldiers and civilians. Original diaries, letters, documents, and photographs highlight soldiers’ everyday lives, their experiences in camp, and their sometimes-conflicted feelings about the causes of the war. The exhibit also engages the war as it was remembered and commemorated by veterans and later generations, asking viewers to question their own understanding of the war and its consequences. The volunteer guest curator for this exhibit is Thomas Bahde, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar in the History Department at UCSD and editor of the memoir of Civil War soldier Captain Francis T. Moore, forthcoming from Northern Illinois University Press. Stop by the Donor Hall today to peruse this fantastic display!

There are two partner exhibits to "Echoes of the War," and both are in Special Collections, on the 4th floor of the Library Addition. "Sources of Conflict: Researching War in Special Collections" showcases our numerous military-related collections and compelling primary sources related to the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, and Vietnam. This is a popular research and writing topic among undergraduates, and this display uncovers some amazing archival content that can be used in papers and research projects for classes in history and other disciplines. Finally, "Dear Doc Post: San Diego State's Aztec News Letter in World War II" displays some fantastic letters from student servicemen written from all over the world during the Second World War. They wrote home to Dr. Lauren Post, who published their letters in the Aztec News Letter and thus united scattered "Staters" during a difficult time. Photographs, ephemera, and university publications are display, and explore areas such as the making of the newsletter, combat reports, the letter as artifact, and travel accounts. Come on up to SCUA this semester and check these out!

Later, we'll have updates on lectures and events related to the Civil War exhibit--check back soon!