Civil War Museum
Culture: Short Feature
In December of 2006, Mark Young opened the American Civil War Museum of Ohio (ACWMO) in downtown Bowling Green. His vision as curator of the museum is to allow people to gain an understanding of the Civil War beyond what they may have gotten in school textbooks and other common sources.
The museum provides the area with a unique educational resource. "I want to make sure that everyone realizes that the museum is here for the community," Young said. The museum is located at 123 E. Court Street, just east of Main St. in downtown Bowling Green, and is open Tuesday & Thursday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and other times by appointment.
The museum has visual and interactive exhibits that are rotated frequently with over 350 artifacts on display. Several exhibits invite visitors to participate in a hands-on manner, such as in "Put It On" where visitors can dress in clothing and uniforms from the Civil War period. "The Soldiers Life" exhibit shows typical articles from the daily lives of soldiers in the Civil War, including toiletries, weapons, clothing and bibles. A full size replica of a camp site encourages the museum goer to imagine the everyday life of a Civil War soldier. "Prisoners of War" explores the POW experience and its influence on the outcome of the war. An inspiration for this exhibit comes from the Johnson's Island prisoner of war camp which was located on the island of that name in nearby Lake Erie. Pictures of the prisoners holding grounds, of prisoners in different activities, and letters from the prisoners to their families are included in this exhibit.
Ohio played an major role in the Civil War, contributing significantly with troops and resources. A locally focused exhibit remembers troops from around Northwest Ohio such as Andrew's Raiders as well as the southern soldiers held in Ohio's various prison camps. Young's knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject matter is evident throughout the displays. Among the many little known facts to be discovered at the museum is that the version of the Confederate flag with the crossed bars was not the national flag of the Confederacy, but only used as a battle flag. Visitors to the museum can view the progression of Confederate flags and read explanations on the varying alterations.
The importance of Ohio in the Civil War and the close proximity to other noteworthy museums in the area (the Wood County Historical Center and Museum, Snooks Dream Car Automobile Museum, and the National Construction Equipment Museum) are among the reasons Young chose Bowling Green as the location for the Civil War Museum.
As a non-profit organization the museum relies in large part on the hard work of its volunteers and from donations. Young also hosts "School Talks" for school-aged groups to learn about the war and history. There is a gift shop where visitors can purchase memorabilia, books, keepsakes, and other Civil War inspired items. And, the museum also has a traveling exhibit that brings the history of the Civil War to area groups and events.
Young is committed to providing the community an educational and exciting experience that generates an interest in history. "The mission of the museum is simply education and to make sure this history is not lost and remains here forever," Young said.