Civil War Battle Flags presentation coming to Almont

Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Lynn Nolin, Trustee at Almont Museum. Open every Saturday 1-4 p.m. weather permitting.

Almont — The Almont Community Historical Society Museum will host a special Civil War Battle Flags Presentation on Saturday, March 14, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., featuring guest speaker Matt VanAcker, director and curator of the Save the Flags project. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Mr. VanAcker is director emeritus of the Michigan State Capitol Tour & Education Service and Vice President of the Michigan Civil War Association. He has written and spoken extensively about Michigan’s Capitol Battle Flag collection and has recently been featured as a speaker at the Gettysburg Foundation’s Sacred Trust. His presentation will offer valuable insight into the history, significance, and preservation of Michigan’s 240 Civil War battle flags.

The program will include historical background and stories of Michigan regiments during the Civil War, with special attention to Almont’s and Lapeer County’s contributions to the war effort. Attendees will learn why battle flags were so important to soldiers and their communities and how current preservation efforts help protect these fragile and meaningful artifacts.

Visual displays and photographs of battle flags will accompany the presentation. The museum’s window display will feature replicas of the 10th Michigan Infantry’s battle flags, along with a Civil War uniform and a cavalry saddle. Inside the museum, visitors can view a collection belonging to Addison Stone, a 19th century Almont doctor who served with the 5th Michigan Cavalry.

A question and answer session will follow the presentation, giving attendees the opportunity to share personal connections, deepen their understanding of the Civil War, and discuss the importance of preserving Michigan’s historical artifacts.

Books by Mr. VanAcker on the Civil War, as well as a book by local author Randy Fulton on Lapeer County men in the Civil War, will be available for purchase. Donations received during the event support the museum’s operating expenses, special events and community programs.

The Almont Community Historical Society Museum invites the public to attend this informative and engaging program on March 14, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.