WAYNESBORO, Pa. — The annual Relic Day returned this weekend to the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum. The event featured vendors from around the region sharing a glimpse at some of their Civil War relics and collectibles that they have acquired as well as sharing insight into what it means to be a “relic hunter.”
National Civil War Museum
Highlighting this year’s event was the participation of the National Civil War Museum, which is located in Harrisburg. Two of the items featured at the museum’s table were a cane that had once belonged to famed general George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876), who had participated in the Battle of Gettysburg and the subsequent Battle of Monterey Pass that occurred July 4-5, 1863.
The other relic on display was one of the original “dog tags” that soldiers wore into battle for identification. The small tag that was featured at the vendor table had once belonged to soldier Amos Konkle, who served during the war from 1862-1865 with Company F in the 6th Michigan Cavalry.
These are just two of the over 2,000 relics on display at the museum every day.
Waynesboro GAR on display
A returning vendor and member of the Gettysburg Independent Blues, 2nd Military District of the Sons of Veterans Reserve, Tyler Tharp, shared his collection of relics which included ordnance shells of every shape and size and his collection of Waynesboro Grand Army of the Republic relics.
Among these relics was a medal which had once belonged to Jacob Charles Monn of Company D, 158th Pennsylvania, who had been a member of the Waynesboro GAR Post 287. In addition to the medal, Tharp also had two GAR signposts on display.
Relic Day keeps history in view
The purpose of Relic Day is not simply to show off treasures found by avid historians, but to keep the history of the Civil War and the men and women involved in the minds and hearts of future generations. The event took place on Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and many of the visitors to the event showed genuine interest in hearing stories about what the relics were and how they helped write history.
From the swords and firearms to the clothes that the soldiers wore, they all had a story to tell, a legacy to leave behind. It is the pursuit of that history and the passion for the stories behind them that keep these relic hunters sifting through the dirt and spending countless hours scouring around antique stores and estate sales.
For more information about future events taking place at the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum, visit montereypassbattlefield.org/park-museum.
The National Civil War Museum has the largest collection of Civil War relics in the United States. It holds regular events and seminars for all ages at One Lincoln Circle in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg. For more information about hours, pricing and event schedules, visit nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Sons of Veterans Reserve such as upcoming events and membership, can visit suvcw-svr.org/svr.htm.
