THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY WAR MUSEUM RELEASE
The next First Saturday presentation will be on June 6th, starting at 1:00 p.m.
It will focus on the Medal of Honor presented to General John Charles Black of Danville. Black and his brother William were among only five sets of brothers who received the Medal of Honor for their service in the Civil War. The General’s original Medal of Honor will be on display, and Black’s great-granddaughter Abby Marsh will be on hand to meet and to answer any questions. Museum President and Executive Director Larry Weatherford will be joined by historians Michael Eberhardt and Tim Smith in talking about the history of the Medal of Honor and the Black brothers’ service in the Civil War.
An exhibit honoring the brothers is part of the Museum’s Medal of Honor Hall which has stories and displays about each of the twelve Medal of Honor recipients with ties to Vermilion County. Visitors will also be able to see the Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to Marine Major Kenneth D. Bailey in World War II. The Bailey Medal is on permanent display at the War Museum. Each attendee will receive a free brochure spotlighting each of the twelve recipients. John Charles Black is also honored in the Museum’s Grand Army of the Republic display. Other memorabilia from the 37th Illinois Infantry and the Black family will be on display. A reception with light refreshments will follow the program. Admission is free on First Saturday.
The programs are presented each month to spotlight local history during the county’s 200th and the nation’s 250th birthday. The War Museum is located at 307 North Vermilion in Danville.
