In collaboration with the American Legion Post #459, Century Village Museum will be celebrating the Independence Day weekend by unveiling a “Threads of Valor” Exhibit, displaying over 50 restored military uniforms worn by decorated veterans on July 3 at the Geauga County Fairgrounds.
“I think it is going to be a big draw because it is a celebration of hometown heroes going back from the Revolutionary War all the way through World War II,” Century Village Director of Collections Management Jessica Lambert told the Weekly Villager on June 12.
The “Threads of Valor” Exhibit will take place in one of the buildings on the Geauga County Fairgrounds as the American Legion Post #459 hosts its annual Fireworks Show Celebration. Century Village will introduce a diverse collection of military uniforms donned by Geauga County residents who served in the armed forces over the course of some of the most historic wars in American History, such as the Revolutionary War, World War I and World War II.
“A lot of the people are represented,” noted Lambert. “There is a diverse range across all of the branches of the military, especially as we get into World War II obviously, where there was a lot more branching of the military.”
According to Lambert, the Museum’s collection of military uniforms was spawned in the 1970s, as families of war veterans donated their ancestor’s military apparel for archival purposes.
“They wrapped up everything very well; it was covered in cloth, it was hung on padded hangers,” Lamber said. “Since then, we have invested and have been able to obtain archival boxes, specifically for these uniforms. When the exhibit comes down, they are all going to be put into archival boxes wrapped in tissue paper, conserved the way that they should be.”
Lambert credited Deluxe Cleaners, a dry-cleaning business in Garrettsville, for restoring the uniforms as closely to mint condition as possible. Each uniform will have a condensed biography, educating interested parties about the veterans who wore them during their time in the service.
Lambert added that most of the families who donated the uniforms were knowledgeable about the history of their ancestors who fought in the war.
She attributed the idea for the Museum to hold this exhibit to Treasurer Jim Vinecourt, who was inspired after having a conversation with a member of American Legion Post #459 when the member inquired about the Museum’s plans for the uniforms.
Lambert said that almost all the uniforms donated to the Museum were worn by residents of Geauga County, demonstrating Burton’s patriotic sense of purpose.
“It is a very patriotic community,” Lambert added. “This represents it really well, because some of the uniforms that we have on display are from very prominent and strong members of Geauga County.”
In addition to having American military uniforms from the wars, Lambert said that the exhibit will also feature several uniforms from other countries, including a British regiment coat from the Revolutionary War, which was donated by a family whose ancestor is believed to have claimed the jacket as a trophy during battle.
“One of my favorite pieces was a Scottish uniform. It has a kilt,” said Lambert. “This was actually from a gentlemen named David Henderson, he was Scottish born, he fought in World War I with England but they still wore the traditional Scottish gear, so he still has the traditional hats and the kilt. He moved to Burton later on life and in the 1930s, he was actually the Mayor of Burton during World War II.”
Once the exhibit concludes on July 3, Lambert said that the uniforms will once again be archived by the Museum but was confident that the exhibit would not just be an educational experience, but also an emotional one.
“People love to see those time periods, but I think these other ones are going to be interesting for people to see because, again, they do reflect some prominent members of Geauga County. I think it is going to bring back some memories for some people,” she said. “Either they remember themselves serving at one point or their grandparents serving. I think it is going to strike that emotional chord with people.”
