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Schools

PHOTOS: Civil War Exhibit Ends

Great-grandson of farmer, soldier Garrett Ackerman spoke of his family's history at Ridgewood's Schoolhouse Museum on its last day, Sunday, July 29.

A descendant of one of Ridgewood's original town fathers was at the to speak about his great-grandfather Garrett Ackerman, a local farmer and soldier in the Civil War.

Sunday marked the final day of the which showcased artifacts from Ridgewood and elsewhere during the tumultuous, bloody years.

At the were Civil War dresses, restored 34-star and 35-star flags, farming tools, uniforms, an embellished military drum, weapons, and other items.

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David Ackerman, the great-grandson of Garrett Ackerman, spoke with visitors on the Sunday tour.

At the time 30 years old, Garrett Ackerman left behind his wife Rachael and his children to tend attend to the farm on East Saddle River Road, Hamburger said.

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"Ackerman was torn about leaving his farm," museum curator Joy Hamburger previously told Patch.

In his letters, the farmer wrote of the hardships he'd faced, of his longing for his family. He requested his family send him meats and other items he could not find while at war.

"Over the last ten months close to 800 people visited our small museum and were impressed with the number and quality of our Civil War artifacts," said Sheila Brogan, President of the Ridgewood Historical Society.

Anyone still craving a bit of knowledge on The Civil War Years in Ridgewood should check out the or and .

Stay tuned for more on what the next exhibit will be!

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