McCord Goes Back in Time With Civil War Exhibit: Viewfinder

Mary "Jennie" Wade was killed in Gettysburg, Pa., on July 3, 1862, not while thrusting a musket or charging a hill, but while making bread.

She's the only civilian casualty of that sanguinary Civil War battle, and she died in her sister's kitchen in the service of hungry Union soldiers. Opinions differ, but it's generally agreed a Confederate bullet, after traveling through a door, struck Wade in the heart.

A photo of the young woman, as well as other war artifacts and stories of heartbreak and heroism, can be found Thursday, Feb. 24, at the "Gettysburg, Lincoln and the Civil War in America" exhibit inside the in Palos Park. The showing, which comprises several private collections, runs until Sunday.

Dr. Joseph Matheu, the exhibit's largest contributor, said he hopes to enlighten and inspire adults and students to learn more about their history.

"A true collector should love this," he said. "You're like a curator, keeping it for the next generation."

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War—sometimes, and more aptly, known as the War Between the States.

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for members, and free for students and children. 

Dr. Ted Karaminsky, professor of history at Loyola University, will lecture Friday and Saturday night at 7:45 p.m. about the war, Gettysburg and General George Armstrong Custer. Cost for this special event is $50 and includes wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Matheu lives in Palos Park and practices medicine in Orland Park and Oak Lawn. The exhibit's second largest contributor is Dan Michalak.