For immediate release 
Contact:  Lynn Smolizer 717-260-1861 Ext. 1108

General Wright and the Hoogland family

NCWM RECEIVES MEDALS OF HONOR DONATION AT CEREMONY         

Harrisburg, PA (May 21, 2008) - The National Civil War Museum accepted the donation of two Medals of Honor into its permanent collections during a ceremony this past weekend.  The medals were presented to Captain James D. Vernay for his gallantry in action just prior to the Siege of Vicksburg.

Speakers for the ceremony included James J. Nulton, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brett Kelley, Curator of Collections, Karen Sheridan, the Burrows’ family representative and the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, Major General Jessica L. Wright.  Ms. Sheridan spoke of the important place these medals have in their family history and how proud her grandfather would be to know that the medals are now in a secured location for others to view at The National Civil War Museum.  General Wright delivered a speech on how the actions of James Vernay warranted this great honor and also spoke of the significance the Medal of Honor plays in the military today.

The medals, which have been passed down to family members through the years, have been in the possession of Mrs. Laura M. Burrows.  Mrs. Burrows is the wife of the late James C. Burrows, the great-grandson of James Vernay.  Mrs. Burrows feels it is important for the medals to be located in an institution that preserves history and will allow the public a chance to view the medals.  Mrs. Burrows donated the medals in memory of her late husband, James.  Burrows’ daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Bernard Hoogland of Ridgewood, New Jersey, transferred the medals to The National Civil War Museum on her behalf, as she was ill and not able to attend.

Opened in February 2001, The National Civil War Museum is a non-profit educational institution dedicated solely to the American Civil War. It is the largest Civil War museum that addresses the war from both the Northern and Southern perspective, and from both a military and civilian perspective.  The Museum protects some of the nation's treasures, including General Robert E. Lee's personal bible, and more than 24,000 artifacts, documents and photos, worth an estimated $20 million. 

The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5:00p.m between April 1 and Labor Day.  Admission to the Museum is $8.00 for adults, with reduced rates for children, seniors and families.  For more information, please call 717.260.1861, or visit the Museum’s website at www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.  

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