Through a $500 grant from Westar Energy, Jeff Kluever will be able to take never before seen artifacts from the Allen County Historical Museum into Allen County classrooms.
“I am so excited to be able to preserve and transport Civil War documents, letters and slave transactions into the classrooms,” said Kluever, Allen County Historical Society executive director.
Most documents from the Civil War are written in pencil. Without special archival containers these documents would be destroyed when exposed to the air and sunlight, Kluever said.
Kluever is also eager to take newspapers from Vicksburg, Miss., that were printed at the end of the Civil War for the students to see.
“Paper was in short supply following the war and the students will see the newspapers are printed on the backside of wallpaper.”
Knowing that little fingers like to touch objects, Kluever used a portion of the grant to buy reproductions of Civil War uniforms which the children can feel.
“We have original Civil War uniforms and sewing kits which are in fragile condition. I am amazed each time I look at the uniforms because you can still see perspiration stains. There was no way I was able to let the children touch these uniforms,” Kluever said.
Another portion of the grant was used to purchase software that will enable Kluever to create original videos. The software goes beyond a static slide presentation.
“I will be able to add movement, music and sound effects to my programs,” Kluever said.
TEACHERS WHO would like to have Kluever visit their classrooms with his Civil War presentation may call him at the historical society at (620) 365-3051.
Kluever said he would also present the program for area clubs and scouting groups.
“I would be more than happy to have groups come to the Frederick Funston Meeting Hall for my Civil War presentation and to see the many artifacts the society has from the 1800s,” Kluever said.
