Sheridan Boxley Lecture Series 2010

BOXLEY LECTURE CELEBRATES RESTORED 30-STAR CIVIL WAR FLAG ON FEB. 25
BLSNR-Jan13.pdf

SHERIDAN, IND.—A priceless hand-made flag fashioned by Civil War soldier and late Sheridan resident Lewis Kercheval will be the focus of the annual Boxley Lecture Series set for Thurs., Feb. 25. Kercheval, who served in the Union Army and fought in Tennessee battlefields wherein he served as color bearer, was an early settler in the farmlands surrounding Sheridan, and descendants gifted the tattered flag to the Sheridan Historical Society several years ago.
“Restoration of Old Glory was made possible by gifts from several individuals, including Lewis Kercheval descendants. The flag artifact was gifted by Phil Kercheval, grand nephew,” explained Brenda Bush, Sheridan Historical Society. “In total, it was a four-year process of examination by officials at the Indiana Historical Society and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Jennifer Hein, textile conservator with experience in flag restoration, was hired for the delicate treatment in 2009. And almost $9,000 was spent to carefully restore the artifact and make the custom showcase for public display.”
The Boxley Lecture Series was launched in 2008 to emphasize heritage and culture, engaging the community in life-long learning and impacting local education.
The multi-media program, “Welcome Home, Old Glory,” in 2010 will be presented to Sheridan’s Adams Elementary classes on Feb. 25 at 1:30 p.m. and the public presentation is at 6 p.m, Sheridan High School auditorium. Admission is free, limited seating.
Sandy Moore, program director, is working to create a festive and meaningful experience to capture the spirit of freedom and sacrifice that built and protected America, involving performances by Ali Hampton who will sing “The Star Spangled Banner” acappella, and Casey Shelburne, a senior who will narrate the story of Lewis Kercheval. Hal Fryar will serve as master of ceremonies for the programs that include a Betsy Ross reenactment by Charlotte Battin, Columbus, IN, and a battlefield mime which honors the flag and includes a dramatic performance with Lynne Sullivan. The program finale will include a salute by the K.V. Elliott American Legion Post #67 Honor Guard unveiling and salute of the flag and Dave Elmore performing “God Bless The USA.”
A special traveling exhibit created by the Indiana Historical Society as part of the Indiana History Train, will be displayed at the Sheridan High School Media Center throughout February. “Faces of the Civil War” will be available throughout the school day, and Sheridan Historical Society volunteers will open it for public viewing on Mon., Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, 5-7 p.m.; Tues., Feb. 16, 5-7 p.m.; and Feb. 25, 5-6 p.m. That exhibit includes hands-on, interactive elements as well as photos and stories of Hoosiers who served and how regular people coped with the tragic experiences of the day—all from an Indiana perspective.
Following the event, Old Glory will be on display at the Sheridan Public Library. Literature and the Lewis Kercheval story has been prepared by Glory-June Greiff, public historian for the Sheridan Historical Society.
The Boxley Lecture Series is produced annually by an alliance of the Sheridan Public Library, Sheridan Community Schools and the Sheridan Historical Society. Patrons underwriting the 2010 program are: Wallace Grain Co., Derek Arrowood, Ph.D., Phillip and Connie Pearson, Vicki Remsen, Bill and Ann Stone, David Kendall and Ron Stone. The patron’s dinner, “Breaking Bread,” will follow at the Sheridan Public Library after the evening performance. Emily Braun will play harp during that gathering.

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