The Life of a Civil War Soldier
Photo by Hilary Hawke
Ravena-Coeymans Historical Society meeting was held on Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m. at the Village Hall, 15 Mountain Road in Ravena. Matt George portrayed the life of a Civil War soldier.
Matt George will arrived at our March 13th meeting as Private George of the 134th New York infantry. He explained where he worked and lived, his occupation, and his 3 best friends (three soldiers who were killed at Gettysburg). He discussed why and where he enlisted, where his camp was, and what camp life was like. He conclude by explaining the motivations of others and his for fighting in this war. He then came out of character and explained the nature of his weapon, the uniform, the accouterments, food, medicine, and wounds.
Matt George taught social studies at Draper Middle School. He retired from the Mohonasen School District in 1998. Matt George is a past president of the Capital District Civil War Round Table. His passion to educate others about the Civil War has led him to retirement homes, schools, and historical societies dressed as a Union private.