Outstanding in Oakville: Janet Reppert

During this 150th anniversary of the Civil War, history buffs everywhere are giving thanks to those who have collected and preserved the details of the war. Whether done by historians or family members, the artifacts and documents are the primary sources of information about the conflict. 

Janet Reppert, of Oakville, is one such family historian. She preserves official documents, letters and the personal items of family members who fought in the Civil War. Her discovery of a collection of items from three of her ancestors who fought in the Civil War spawned her interest and led her to an interesting and important hobby. Her family collection is a microcosm of information that fits into the big picture. All of the items in her mini-museum give the viewer a feel as to what it was like to be a common soldier during the Civil War.

Not just a collector, but a researcher, Reppert makes it a point to include detailed histories of items passed down to younger members of her family, so that they can fully appreciate the history and their connections to the items.

“These are special gifts. They are things that cannot be purchased. The inclusion of the stories with the gifts means that the history of the items won’t be lost,” Reppert said.

Janet Reppert’s profession as a nurse also sparked her interest in the Civil War. She volunteers as re-enactor of a Civil War era nurse, which comes naturally when you blend Reppert’s interests and career choice. Seeing Reppert dressed in her authentic garb and viewing the medical instruments and supplies available during the Civil War is a grim reminder of how many soldiers of that era died of their battle wounds and primitive amputation procedures.

“As a nurse, I was very interested in the doctor’s detailed description of my ancestor’s wound. I was in awe that the information survived the years,” Reppert said.

Reppert’s museum may be for family and friends only, but the history that she preserves belongs to all and she is willing to share her information as a re-enactor at public events. Her Civil War nurse’s uniform is striking in its simplicity. Her white apron has no straps. Rather, it is pinned to her uniform to save precious cloth for bandages.

“It is my goal to eventually distribute my family artifacts on to the next generation, one documented story and one gift at a time.”