Historical Museum Reopens with Abraham Lincoln & the Civil War Exhibit

After 10 weeks of revamping the museum, the is kicking off its new Abraham Lincoln & the Civil War exhibit with a preview event 6-9 p.m. today.

The museum was supposed to close for six weeks, but work on the building took longer than curator Muriel Versagi anticipated. Versagi is now thrilled to open the doors of to the public once again and hopes the Civil War exhibit will be as well received as the World War II display was in the spring.

“We had a remarkable outpouring of families for our World War II display and it would be great to see a lot of people come out for this one as well,” Versagi said.

About half of the exhibit is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, while the other half is a mix of artifacts, weapons and clothing from the Civil War time period. According to Versagi, the Dondero family donated a hefty collection of Lincoln memorabilia that George Dondero had collected. Dondero was active in Royal Oak's early years, serving on the school board from 1910-28 and as mayor in the early 20s. He was also a great admirer of Lincoln, even naming his son after Lincoln's son.

“What impresses me most is how totally involved and committed Abraham Lincoln was to the war,” Versagi said as she walked through the many photographs of Lincoln.

Three other families lent items to assemble the informative affair as well. William Grier donated an impressive selection of guns and sword. One display case is full of various aprons that were worn, letters from the Civil War are posted as part of the exhibit and travel leisures such as pocket dominoes and dime novels are showcased. Bonnets, sewing kits, bullets, dresses, photographs and more are featured as well.

A group of approximately 15 volunteers helped with the project, with many starting to gather items and putting together display boards in January.

“This town is mind boggling in the love, dedication and volunteerism of the people that live here,” Versagi said.

Four re-enactors will be at the museum tonight, walking attendees through the various displays and giving the back story of the artifacts and what they were used for. Versagi assured there is not a schedule to the evening, and the re-enactors will be at different areas of the museum throughout the night. A donation of $10 is requested to attend and light refreshments including hardtack and cheese will be served to go along with the theme.

If residents are unable to attend the open house, the museum’s regular hours will resume Saturday with the exhibit open for viewing through October. 

Hours this weekend are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Regular hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and the second and fourth Sundays of the month.

Admission is free, but a $2 donation is appreciated.

After the Civil War exhibit, Versagi said she is considering putting up a display on Christmas shopping through the years in Royal Oak.