Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery Scrapbook
A reader of the blog has requested an entry related to the Kilbourn family as part of our Archives Month celebration. Upon seeing her request, one item immediately came to mind. Shown above is the Record Book of the 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery, donated to the Litchfield Historical Society in September of 1940 by Miss Minnie L. Bates. The scrapbook was compiled by Dwight C. Kilbourn. This is no ordinary scrapbook. Kilbourn was a veteran of the Civil War, a first lieutenant in the second company of the Second Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery. He compiled an index of all of the men who fought in the regiment, and for as many as possible he amassed vital statistics, newspaper clippings, images of the men, and accounts of their experiences in battle. Upon Kilbourn’s death in 1914, the regiment elected Mr. George H. Bates (father of Miss Minnie L. Bates) historian, and he took over the record keeping responsibilities until his death in 1929. The veterans voted to donate the record book to the Litchfield Historical Society when it was as close to completion as possible. In keeping with their wishes, Miss Bates brought it to the Society in 1940, after all but one veteran had passed away. This scrapbook is a remarkable resource for researchers, from genealogists to Civil War reenactors, thanks to the diligent effort of the creators.
In addition to the historical evidence contained within it, the record book also provides an example of the challenges faced by institutions charged with preserving the past. The scrapbook is stored in a stable climate, and everyone who uses this resource must do so with the utmost care. To prolong the life of the item, the staff has implemented basic handling practices, like only opening the book with supports for the heavy pages and binding. It is stored on a shelf, flat and closed. Unfortunately, the composition of the book contributes to the concern over its condition. Along with vast information about Litchfield County’s Civil War soldiers, the record book contains acidic newspaper clippings mingled with tintypes, photographs taped to pages and an enormous amount of added material that stretches the binding. The steps taken to maintain a stable environment will ensure the longevity of the scrapbook until the Society can afford to undertake professional conservation treatment.
Please send me (archivist@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org) your requests for other items you would like to see this month!