“Freedom, Sacrifice, Memory” Civil War Exhibit at Ashe County Public Library

RALEIGH – Heroic tales and valiant feats are depicted in images that reflect North Carolina ’s dedication to the war in the Freedom, Sacrifice, Memory: Civil War Sesquicentennial Photography Exhibit (www.nccivilwar150.com). Ashe County Public Library in West Jefferson will host the exhibit from April 1-28, sharing images and stories that capture the history and pe opl e of the Civil War (1861-1865).

“The Civil War was the first war widely covered with photography,” explains Deputy Secretary Dr. Jeffrey Crow of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. “The ‘Freedom, Sacrifice, Memory’ exhibit provides images of historic figures, artifacts and documents that brought the reality of the war from the battlefront to the home front, then and now.”

The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources will display 24 images from the State Archives (www.archives.ncdcr.gov), the N.C. Museum of History (www.ncmuseumofhistory.org) and State Historic Sites (www.nchistoricsites.org). Between April 2011 and spring 2013, 50 libraries will showcase “Freedom, Sacrifice, Memory” offering visuals that present gallant women, African American triumph and the perseverance of Confederate soldiers. A notebook will accompany the exhibit with further info rmation and a section for viewer comments.

One of the images portrays a poignant letter from Colonel Isaac E. Avery that embodies the courage and passion of the Confederate forces. Born Dec. 20, 1828, in Burke County, Avery served in the 6th NC Troops and led the attack on Cemetery Hill at Gettysburg , Pa. , in July 1863. Though mortally wounded, Avery wrote a message to Major Samuel McDowell Tate reading, “Major. Tell my father I died with my Face to the enemy. I. E. Avery,” and he marked it with his blood.

The unique exhibit will share the history from regions of North Carolina , including the western mountains, to educate viewers about the hardships North Carolinians faced during this pivotal time in United States history.

For info rmation on the tour visit www.nccivilwar150.com or call (919) 807-7389. The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources is the state agency with the mission to enrich lives and communities, and the vision to harness the state’s cultural resources to build North Carolina ’s social, cultural and economic future. Information on Cultural Resources is available 24/7 at http://www.ncculture.com/.