The Rotunda Report
2014 Winter/Spring Issue
SULLIVAN MUSEUM
AND
HISTORY CENTER
Museum Associates Bi-Annual Newsletter
From the Director’s Chair
Dear Sullivan Museum and History Center Supporters and Friends,
Our newest installation of the Civil War Commemoration Series, “1864: Some
Suffer So Much” provides an opportunity to view the response of the general
population to the circumstances of the devastating results experienced by individuals on both sides of the conflict. The victims of battle engagements were cared
for on the battlefields, nearby villages, towns and cities, and eventually at the
newly established hospitals erected to care for troops closer to their homes. In
this exhibition we look at the Vermont hospitals which provided this care, and
the individual stories of those wounded during
battle, and their stories through correspondence and historical images.
158 Harmon Drive
Northfiled, VT 05663
802-485-2183
www.norwich.edu/museum
Museum Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8-4pm
Saturdays 11-4pm
during the Academic Year
Current Exhibitions:
“1864: Some Suffer So Much”
“Round”
As part of this exhibition, we also look at the
historical path of the inner effects of battle
experience. Today the acknowledged
condition is called Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder or PTSD. The center kiosk of the
exhibition examines the chronological history
and view of soldier’s commentary beginning as
far back as 3,000 years, when Hori wrote,
“You determine to go forward…Shuddering
seizes you, the hair on your head stands on end,
your soul lies in your hand.” The disorder has
been called many things relating to the effects
many experienced from battle. Terms such as
(detail) of Battle of Cedar Creek
Nostalgia, Heimweh, maledie du pays, estar roto,
(Vermont State House)
soldier’s heart, exhausted heart, compensation
neurosis, battle shock, shell-shock, war neurosis, neurasthenia, combat neurosis, combat exhaustion,
and battle fatigue have been descriptors applied to the condition. Hori’s quote could be from a contemporary serviceman or woman today. We also review the silent form of post traumatic stress
disorder- Military Sexual Trauma or MST also found among PTSD sufferers.
The exhibition also examines what type of training is currently being offered to servicemen and women, as well as what is available through Norwich University programs such as TM training. The exhibition concludes with a memorial panel for David “Stretch” Edwards ’63 who was featured in the Fall
2012 Record, and passed in December 2013.
The exhibition has been awarded
a Top Ten Events and Exhibition
Award from the Vermont
Department of Tourism, January
2014. We hope you will be able
to visit the Sullivan Museum and
History Center to view this
moving exhibition entitled,
“1864: Some Suffer So Much.”
Museologically yours,
Sarah E. Henrich
Old Soldiers’ Home, 1864
Bennington, Vermont
Current Exhibition on Norwich and the Civil War
Explores Suffering During Battle and the Aftermath
The title of this exhibition, “Some Suffer So Much” which opened this January comes from
a line by the American poet Walt Whitman. During the Civil War, Whitman served as a
volunteer nurse in military hospitals. In his poem "The Wound-Dresser," Whitman recalled
the experience of tending to so many young soldiers wounded in both body and spirit.
By the spring of 1864, the Civil War had entered its third year. Relentless Union campaigns
sought to overwhelm the Confederacy. Successive battles such as the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor and the lengthy sieges at Petersburg and Atlanta produced staggering
numbers of casualties. Norwich University alumni were engaged in all of these battles.
Many of Norwich alumni recall their experiences suffering on the battlefield. One such
Norwich alumni, Lemuel Abbott recounts his horrific injury at the Third Battle of Winchester in 1864.
(Detail) “For Distinguished Gallantry,”
Dale Gallon, 1996.
Lemuel Abbott entered Norwich University in 1860. He left Norwich in July 1862 to join
the Union Army. He enlisted in the 10th Vermont Infantry Regiment and was quickly
promoted from First Sergeant to Lieutenant. He eventually became a captain in the 10th VT. In the spring
of 1864, Abbott was engaged in the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. He participated in the
siege of Petersburg before his regiment was detailed to join Gen. Philip Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley
Campaign. In the Union victory at the Third Battle of Winchester, Abbott was severely wounded in the
face. He came home to Vermont to recover and eventually returned to duty in Virginia. Abbott’s personal
account details his experience during combat and recovery.
(Sullivan Museum & History Center)
Sept. 19th, 1864 [Third Battle of Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley, VA]
Lemuel Abbott
(Norwich Archives)
" My first wound was from the butt end of an exploding shell in the breast which maimed and knocked me down and
simultaneously as I fell a minie ball fired but a rod away in my front just grazed my forehead, tore through my upper
lip crushing both jaws and carrying away eleven teeth, the most painless dentistry I ever had done; but Oh! the shock it gave my system and the
misery I suffered that night!"
"...One of my regimental surgeons, came running, [and] hastily examining my wounds, bade me sit on the ground, ran for his instrument case,
placed my head upturned between his knees, sewed in place a triangular piece of flesh extending from the lower right corner of my nose down
hanging at the right corner by a slight shred of flesh, which I had held in place from the battlefield with my fingers, and that job for the time
being was done, but Oh! my aching head, jaws and chest, as well as the extreme feeling of lassitude for the balance of the day."
Sunday Sept. 25th, 1864 [Hospital in Harper's Ferry, VA]
"I did not sleep last night my wounds were so very painful. I removed some of the old fractures or splinters of teeth and jaws that were left,
about 3 a.m. with my fingers, and after that my face was easier and I rested some."
In early October, Lemuel Abbott took the train from Harper's Ferry back to Vermont. His wound was still very painful, but by October 10th,
Abbott claimed that his "mouth wound is nearly healed externally, but it is very stiff, awkward and clumsy, don't feel right- the jaws ache."
-from Lemuel A. Abbott "Personal Recollection and Civil War Diary, 1864" Burlington Free Press, Co., 1908.
“1864: Some Suffer So Much” will be open during normal museum hours through December 23, 2014.
Please join us for Lunch N’ Learn Presentations
at the Sullivan Museum & History Center
Sponsored by the Sullivan Museum Associates
Wednesday, February 5 • 12 Noon – Jim Fouts
Norwich University Class of 1970 alumnus, educator, and member of
the 18th Vermont Regiment and Civil War living historian will present
“The Confederate Raid on St. Albans.”
Wednesday, April 2 • 12 Noon – Sharon I. Richie, M.S.N., Ph.D.
Norwich University Director of Nursing will present “The Other
Invisible Wounds of War” The Other PTSDs: Compassion Fatigue
and Military Sexual Trauma.
Wednesday, March 5 • 12 Noon – Steven Sodergren, Ph.D.
Norwich University History Professor will present ‘The Horrors I Have
Witnessed’: Union Soldiers Respond to the Battlefields of 1864.
Coming this Fall 2014! – Daniel Lane, Ph.D.
Norwich Professor of English will present “Walt Whitman and the
Civil War.”
Recent Acquisitions

James M. Burt (NU Class of 1939) Ephemera and Commemorative Bag for 45 th Reunion of the 11th Armored Division in St. Louis, MO
related to Maj. General Edward H. Brooks (NU 1916), Donated by LTC and Mrs. James E. Mullin, USA (Ret.) ‘65

General Milroy Commemorative Civil War Ephemera and 1998 Norwich University Camporee Pin, Donated by Robert V. Guptill, ‘68

Currency for 150th Anniversary of State of Vermont, Currency from 1819, and Currency from Norwich England,
Donated by Richard J. Leatherbee, ‘77

Painting, “Norwich University, Fall Semester,” by Alicia J. Stonebreaker (1925-1976), Donated by Alicia Stonebreaker Gallery

2013 Norwich University Class Ring, Donated by Josten’s, Inc.

Three-Hole Punch used by Gary G. Close, ‘64 Norwich University Band Company Staff Sergeant, Donated by Gary & Susan Close, ’64

Oral History Interview with COL Maurice H. Smith, USA (Ret.) ‘34, Donated by COL Maurice H. Smith, USA (Ret.) ‘34

World War II Ration Books and Identification Strips from a Japanese Pacific Theater Aircraft, Donated by Professor Emeritus
Edward L. Richards, Jr.

Cadet Whisk (Uniform Brush), Donated by Joanna C. Caswell in Memory of Eugene R.
Cleveland, Assistant to the Norwich University Treasurer, 1938- 1974

1819 Half-Dollar, Donated by Hon. & Mrs. John W. Walter '55

Norwich University Ephemera, Donated by Robert V. Guptill, ‘68

Trunk Marked “Lt. Col. R.T. Phinney 38th Inf.” (from the Class of 1902),
Donated by Shannon Baird

Drawing, “North Hall,” by Asst. Commandant Alan Lane, P’11
Donated by Assistant Commandant Alan Lane P’11

Signed Baseball Bat from Military Appreciation Night Game Between the Vermont
Mountaineers and the British World Team from July 4, 2012. Norwich University

Sumner Lincoln's (Class of 1862) Civil War Folding Chair,
Donated by Robert V. Guptill, ‘68

Distinguished Service Cross Awarded to 1st Lt. John R. Johnston, Jr.
(Class of 1965), Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Johnston

Australian Army “Slouch Hat,” Gift to President Richard W. Schneider from
Norwich University Students Studying in Australia

Live Audio Recordings of Pegasus Players of Norwich University "Fiddler on the Roof"
April 14, 1984 and Regimental Chorus, May 1, 1984
Donated by Paul W. Berntsen,‘84
Alicia J. Stonebreaker, Norwich University Fall Semester
(Sullivan Museum & History Center)
Sumner Lincoln’s Civil War Folding Chair
(Sullivan Museum & History Center)

Glass Commemorative Paperweight for The 60th Anniversary of
the Founding of the Fu Hsing Kang College, NDU, Gift to
President Richard W. Schneider from Chih Wen (Blake)
Ku/Fu Hsing Kang College

Print, "Norwich University," by Bruce Mitchell from The
Vermont Firsts Collection, Donated by Col Everett F.
Bingham, USAF (Ret.) in Memory of Everett Foster
Bingham, ‘33

2001 Camporee Norwich University,
Donated by Robert V. Guptill, ‘68

1968 Norwich University Ring, Donated by John A. Kemp, ‘68

Norwich University Snare Drum, Shoulder Strap and Drum
sticks (Related to Harry E. Covey, ’52),
Donated by Robert V. Guptill, ‘68

1955 Norwich University Ring, Donated by Charles Huntley, ‘55
(detail) signature of James Minor Lincoln on the Coatee
(Sullivan Museum & History Center)

James Minor Lincoln Coatee (NU Class of 1850),
Donated by LTC and Mrs. James E. Mullin, USA (RET) ‘65

Donation of Snowshoes in honor of General Gordon R. Sullivan
USA (Ret.) ‘59 & H ‘92, Donated by Norwich University
Mountain and Cold Weather Company

Norwich University Band and Glee Club Record,
Donated by Robert Guptill, ’68

Flag Dedicated to Norwich University Regimental Drill Team and Flown
over Kandahar, Afghanistan, Donated by Daniel Perugini, ‘95

Norwich University Lettermen's Jacket, Donated by James Bannister, ‘68

Pair of Semaphore Flags from World War II Pacific Theater,
Donated by Professor Emeritus Edward L. Richards, Jr.

Norwich University Uniform and Accessories, ( 2005-2009) Donated by Diane Fico

Two Prints (“Cozzen’s Dock, West Point” and “Battle of Olustee, FLA.”) and a Drawing, “Cafe Orientale,” by Joseph Pennell (1857-1926),
Donated by Robert V. Guptill, ‘68
James Minor Lincoln Coatee (Sullivan Museum &History Center)
Objects Sought for Exhibitions and the
Museum’s Permanent Collection
Over the next few years, as Norwich University begins its celebrations leading up to the 2019 Bicentennial, the Sullivan Museum
and History Center will feature exhibitions celebrating anniversaries of historic events and Norwich University Alumni, and you
can be a part of it!
The Sullivan Museum and History Center, in presenting the history of our alumni, Norwich University, and the wider world, is
seeking artifacts related to many different time periods and people. As we prepare for the upcoming exhibitions, we are searching
for objects related to World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm, and the establishment of the Transcontinental Railroad under the guidance of General Grenville Dodge. The museum is especially interested in
collecting objects related to women at Norwich University and within the Corps of Cadets. We are also seeking drawings and
paintings by NU alumni artists, including William Brenton Boggs, Truman Seymour, Edgar Parker, and others.
If you have artifacts that you would like to donate to the museum, or loan for an exhibition that relate to one of the events above,
please reach out to us, we would love to hear from you and the stories behind your collection. Even if you have other artifacts
related to your time at Norwich University and beyond, we would love to hear from you.
The Sullivan Museum and History Center tells the story of you, our alumni, help us preserve your rich history for generations
to come!
Photo by Mark Collier/ Norwich University
Oral History Project Marks 20 Interviews
The new Oral History Project has logged 20 interviews of Norwich graduates and friends and has begun
transcription and cataloging interviews. The program, established in June 2013 and generously funded by
grants from the Tawani Foundation of Chicago, IL, will be a wonderful primary source of material
relating to the many areas that members of the Norwich community have made significant contributions
in the military, business, research, education, and philanthropy as citizen-soldiers. As part of the professional coordination of the program, the project uses state–of-the-art audio equipment and a small recording studio has been created within the museum office suite. Once the transcripts are completed by
Jennifer Payne, Oral History Coordinator University students and reviewed, they will be added to the Kreitzberg library catalog, and the museum’s
website where they will be ‘keyword searchable’ through powerful metadata synchronizing software. Once transcribed and in print, the transcripts
and audio recordings will have many uses. They will be available for academic use in classes, accessible from the museum’s website, entered in the
Kreitzberg Library online catalog, and archived in the University Archives and Special Collections. Their rich material will provide an intimate
glimpse into the more recent history of Norwich, their accomplishments of alumnae and members of the community.
The pilot program will be in place for three years with the anticipation of continuing into the future to capture the on-going stories of Norwich and
her extended family of graduates, employees, family and friends. We are fortunate these initial interviewees volunteered to share their unique
stories of life at Norwich and beyond, and we hope you will think of sharing your story. It will be a valuable resource for all areas of the University
campus, academic, administration, and most of all, the Sullivan Museum and History Center. The stories cover their memories of Norwich as
students, military service, professional achievements, and other contributions.
The establishment of this new initiative will provide valuable information for future exhibitions and publications by the Sullivan Museum. A formal launch of the Museum’s program will be part of festivities for Homecoming in September 2014. If you are interested in participating in this
program, please contact Jennifer Payne, Oral History Coordinator at (802) 485-2379 or [email protected].
The following interviews have been completed, and are in the process of transcribing for review and eventual publication:
Maurice
Robert
William
Leonard
Frederick
Nicholas
Timothy
H. Smith
F. Crecco
W. Steele
N. Palmer
G. Bashara, Jr.
H. Collins
Donovan, Jr.
1934
1947
1959
1963
1963
1955
1962
Albert
John
Charles
Robert
John
Rollin
Donald
R.
L.
T.
G.
A.
L.
Pettingill, Jr.
Richardson
Heberle, III
Minnis
Kemp
Reiter
Kjelleren
1963
1963
1963
1963
1968
1950
1954
Paul
Roger
Dr. Robert
Dr. Carlos
Dr. Richard
Gregory
W.
H.
W.
F.A.
A.
R.
Berntsen
1984
Damon, Jr.
1951
Christie (Ret.) 1944
Pinkham
1965
Herbert
1965
Wortman
2005
Welcome New Staff Members
John Hart earned his Bachelor’s Degree at St. Michael’s College,
Vermont and his Master’s Degree in History Museum Studies at the State
University of New York, Cooperstown Graduate Program. He previously
served as Assistant Curator of Collections at the New York State Historical Association and The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown. John brings
experience in registration and preservation, working with over 150,000
objects at The Farmers’ Museum and Fenimore Art Museum. John enjoys hiking with his wife, Tori, and their dog, Buddy. John also has an
appreciation for landscape photography.
Katherine Taylor-McBroom earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Art
History with a Museum Studies Certificate from the University of Memphis.
Katherine has served as the Assistant Registrar of the Shelburne Museum, as well
as Interim Collections Manager. Prior to her move to Vermont she was the Artistic
Programs Administrator for the Tennessee Art League in Nashville. She is also a
practicing artist with exhibitions in both Vermont and Tennessee. She enjoys
working in mixed-media collage art, photography, and has a keen interest in
architecture. Aside from being an artist, she enjoys spending time with her 5 year
old son Henry, her dog Charlie, and husband Glenn. She is also fanatical about
Zumba fitness.
Photo by Mark Collier/ Norwich University
Photo by Mark Collier/ Norwich University
Please join me in welcoming our new staff members, John T. Hart, Registrar and Katherine Taylor-McBroom, Exhibitions
Associate. We are pleased to have both John and Katherine join the Sullivan Museum & History Center.
Sullivan Museum and History Center
FIRST CLASS MAIL
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 4
Northfield, VT
Norwich University
158 Harmon Drive
Northfield, VT 05663
———————————————————
(802) 485-2183
www.norwich.edu/museum
Current Exhibitions
On View Through May 31, 2014
“Round”
An Exhibition of Round, Circular and Spherical Objects from the Museum’s Collection
On View Through December 31, 2014
“1864: “Some Suffer So Much”
The Fourth in a Series of Exhibits Focusing on Norwich University and the Civil War
For more information on current exhibitions, and for updates on coming attractions and public programs
Please visit our website and blog:
www.norwich.edu/museum and www.norwich.typepad.com/museum
Sullivan Museum and History Center Mission Statement
The Sullivan Museum and History Center seeks to be a lively, compelling and anchoring presence in our community; to serve as a dynamic
resource, to improve cultural and educational opportunities for the Norwich community; to enhance our reputation as a unique institution of higher
education; to promote Norwich and the Norwich experience; and to demonstrate who we are in the present through interaction with our past, our
community, our beliefs, and the vision we hold for the future.
“Round” Exhibit Open Until June 2014
Sullivan Museum & History Center has
This exhibit brings together objects based on their circular shape. Ranging from familiar
items such as a uniform button to oddities like a foot-powered dentist's drill, the
exhibit highlights the variety and breadth of the Sullivan Museum collection.
If you’ve not seen this wonderful exhibition, stop by before it closes.
been selected as one of Vermont Civil War
Sesquicentennial 2014 Top Ten Events & Exhibits
It will be promoted along with this year’s signature event, the 150th Anniversary and Commemoration: The St. Albans Raid.
The exhibition “1864: Some Suffer So Much”
will be featured at www.vermontcivilwar150.com
and in Welcome Centers across Vermont.
Stop by the Sullivan Museum & History center for
more information.
Commemorative Plaque
WWI French Lighter
Theta Chi Fraternity Plaque
The Museum Associates support the museum in conservation projects, Lunch N’ Learn Series, book sales and special events. We welcome
new members to the Associates to engage in the museum’s offerings and volunteer projects. Please consider joining this vital group of
supporters with a membership in 2014. Your membership makes these programs possible at the Sullivan Museum and History Center.
SULLIVAN MUSEUM
and HISTORY CENTER
Sullivan Museum Associate Membership
Museum Associates
Executive Committee
2013-2014
Patricia Leavenworth
President
Robert Guptill
Vice President
Nancy Braman
Secretary
Lauren Wobby
Treasurer
Carol Todd
Member at Large
Administrative Supervision
June 1, 2013– May 31, 2014
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Senior Vice President for Academic
Affairs & Dean of the Faculty
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Director
Please bill my credit card #_______________________________________________________
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Museum Assistant
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Norwich University Development and Alumni Relations
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Sullivan Museum & History Center
Donors & Members
June 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
If your name has been omitted or in error please contact us at 802-485-2183.
David & Helen Barrington '59 & P'98
Robert '60 & Carol Bidwell
COL & Mrs. Eric W. Braman, USA (Ret.) P'95
Mark & Judi Brownell '72
Robert Brownstein '60
Col & Mrs. John M. Bukowinski, USAF (Ret.) '85
Basil & Audrey Burrell '44
David B. Connor '60
Ed & Ingrid Crosbie '73
COL Peter W. Cuthbert, USA (Ret.) '51
Jim & Carolyn Fouts '70
COL & Mrs. Harold L. Gilmore, USAR (Ret.) '53
Robert V. Guptill '68
Clarke T. Haywood '12
Raymond '59 & Hilda '58 Hendrickson
Hon. Henry J. Hogan, III '69
Charley & Kathy Holden '67
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Holden '68
COL Guy S. & Robin Huntley, USA (Ret.) '60
Norman Johnson '50
Josef & Nancy Jordan '59
Bruce A. Joseph '59
Glenn & Nancy Kinder M'04
Dr. A. Ralph Kristeller '50
Richard J. Leatherbee '77
Gary & Betty Lord '88
COL & Mrs. Reinhard M. Lotz, USA (Ret.) '60
Mr. & Mrs. David Lozier, Esq. '91
Mr. & Mrs. Philip R. Marsilius '43 & H'68
Joseph McMahon '80
CAPT & Mrs. Christopher C. Misner, USN '90 & M'06
LTC & Mrs. James E. Mullin, USA (Ret.) '65
Gordon L. Page '59
Rol & Dori Reiter '50 & H'90
Ruth Sabol
Richard '60 & Myrna L. Schultz
Col & Mrs. John R. Sweeney, USAF (Ret.) P'89
MG & Mrs. W. Russell Todd, USA (Ret.) '50, P'75, H’75 &
H '93
COL & Mrs. Paul V. Valvo, USA (Ret.) '60
CPT & Mrs. Terry Van Meter, USA (Ret.) '66
David & Karla Wilson '90
Alicia J. Stonebreaker Fine Art Gallery
The Tawani Foundation
Woodstock Productions Event Planning
BEHIND THE SCENES at the Museum
Museum Registrar John Hart installs a new acquisition in a display case
Jennifer Payne, Oral History Coordinator interviews Gregory R. Wortman
(NU 05”) for the Oral History Project
Cadet Private Thomas King, (work study student)
transcribes an interview