Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Welcomes S. Thomas Summers for a Civil War Book Signing

On Sunday June 24th Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is pleased to welcome S. Thomas Summers to sell and sign copies of his book “Private Herculues McGraw:Poems of the American Civil War.” This book signing is held in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibit “Gone for a Soldier:” Jerseymen in the Civil War.  Presented in partnership with the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, this exhibit brings together for the first time about two hundred objects from the Civil War from nearly thirty museums, historical societies, and private collections.  Mr. Summers will be available to sell and sign books to museum visitors between 1pm and 4pm. 

In Private Hercules McGraw: Poems of the American Civil War, poem by poem, Private McGraw, shares with us his journey through the landscapes of the American Civil War. McGraw, a Confederate soldier and racist, steps into the War in order to assure that slavery will exist long enough for him to purchase a slave with hopes to impress his love, Martha. As McGraw treks through the blood and mire, experiencing both triumph and tragedy, he begins to transform into a man of peace and compassion – a man who no longer sees a black man or a white man; he simply sees a man – a fellow, a brother.

S. Thomas Summers is a teacher of Writing and Literature at Wayne Hills High School in Wayne, NJ and an adjunct writing professor at Passaic County Community College in Wanaque, NJ. The author of two chapbooks, Summers's most recent effort, Private Hercules McGraw: Poems of the American Civil War (Anaphora Literary Press 2012) has garnered high praise from historians and poets alike. Currently, Summers is writing a second volume of poetry based on the Civil War. It is titled I am Lieutenant: The Journals of Arthur Kendal Everly.

A Civil War Lecture Series in conjunction with the “Gone for a Soldier” exhibit is being held monthly. On June 27th the Museum is delighted to welcome Dr. James McPherson who will present “When Will this Cruel War be Over? The Failure of Peace Negotiations during the Civil War”.  The lecture is being held at the Cincinnati Masonic Lodge No. 3, 39 Maple Avenue (one block from the museum). Tickets are available at the door from 6:30pm, the lecture begins at 7pm. On Sunday July 1st visitors are invited to visit a living history program in the garden of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum.  Reenactors with the 27th NJ Company F will be available to meet visitors, answer questions and share camp life information with visitors to the Museum garden.  This small camp will include a battlefield surgeon and an officer’s tent set up. Full details about the lectures, book signings, and family-friendly events can be viewed on the museum’s Facebook events page, which can be accessed through the Museum website. “Gone for a Soldier” is on display Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons through July 1st 2012.

The New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, a volunteer organization working for increased awareness and recognition of New Jersey’s important role in the Civil War, has been recognized by the New Jersey Governor and both houses of the New Jersey legislature. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. It is located in the heart of Morristown’s National Historic District. The Museum is open to tour the house and view exhibits on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. General Admission: Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The last tickets for admission are sold at 3 p.m. School tours, adult/senior tours and rentals may be scheduled by appointment.  For information, call the Museum weekdays at (973) 538-2404 ext 10, visit our website www.maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.