Discover Your Community's Civil War Heritage Program

The Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee of the Cranford Historical Society is proud to present Steven D. Glazer, author of Discover Your Community’s Civil War Heritage, on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the Crane-Phillips House Museum.  The museum opens at 2:00pm.  Program will begin at 2:15pm.

The 150th anniversary of the Civil War is upon us. On April 12, 1861, Confederate artillery in Charleston, South Carolina, opened fire on Fort Sumter, leading to hostilities that would last for four long years and involve tens of thousands of New Jersey soldiers. Many modern New Jerseyans, their interest piqued by the anniversary, are seeking information on the role of local men in the conflict. Cranford resident Steven D. Glazer recently published Discover Your Community's Civil War Heritage, a guidebook to assist them. He will discuss his new book and answer research questions.  Autographed copies of his book will be available for $10.

Several years ago, after asking local historians how many Civil War veterans had lived in Cranford, and receiving only one or two names in response, Glazer began to investigate the subject himself. He eventually came up with over eighty Cranford residents, many of them local officials, who had fought in the war or otherwise had a significant connection to the momentous events of the time. He discovered that Cranford was even home to a former Confederate colonel, who lived in town with his family while he designed the foundation and pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. Other town residents had interesting connections with Abraham Lincoln; one helped foil the first assassination plot against Lincoln, while another was present in Ford’s Theatre the night the president was fatally shot.

Glazer's unique guide, which grew out of his research, details the techniques and numerous historical sources he employed, with a particular emphasis on leveraging the power of the Internet. And unlike any other available publications, this one provides a clear road map for discovering any New Jersey town’s Civil War heritage, including the identity of veterans who lived there. It is also an indispensable tool for individuals exploring their own family’s Civil War connections. It should appeal to a wide range of readers, including local historians, educators, students, genealogists, grant writers and journalists.

The Crane-Phillips House Museum is located at 124 North Union Avenue in Cranford.  Free Admission with R.S.V.P.  For further information, please call the Historical Society’s office at 908-276-0082 or email us at cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net. Visit our website at www.cranfordhistoricalsociety.com Founded in 1927, the Cranford Historical Society’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate the history of Cranford.  This History Program is made possible in part by a HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.