HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct 7, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) – Pennsylvania plans to hold a 4-year-long commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Civil War beginning in 2011, officials say.
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will spend $12 million to chronicle the state’s major role in the war between the states using traveling exhibits, special events and an interactive Web site, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday.
“The story of this war in Pennsylvania is much more than just tactics and strategy,” said Barbara Franco, the commission’s executive director.
Franco says the Civil War is also the story of individual soldiers, their families and African-Americans working to abolish slavery.
“Pennsylvania Civil War 150″ will tell everything from the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 to the story of the runaway slaves who traveled the so-called underground railroad of safe routes to make their way from the South to the North.
Spokesman Kirk Wilson says so far the commission has secured $2 million for the project and is seeking more money through federal grants and private foundations.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International
