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LISBON — American Civil War scholar, historian and history performer Charles Plummer, of Auburn, will be the featured speaker at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at the Lisbon Historical Society.
The meeting is at the MTM Community Center, 18 School St. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.; parking and entry are at the rear of the building.
Plummer will speak on “The History and Ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic.” This fraternal organization was established for Union veterans shortly after the Civil War ended.
Over the years, the GAR grew to almost 8,000 posts and nearly 500,000 members, including five who served as presidents of the United States — Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, William Henry Harrison and William McKinley. Interestingly, only one woman was admitted into membership — Sarah Emma Edmunds, who disguised herself as a man named Franklin Thompson and served with the 2nd Michigan Regiment. Plummer will highlight some of her experiences during the war.
The GAR was based on three principles — fraternity, charity and loyalty. The two founders were also members of the Masonic Fraternity, so it is not surprising the ritual for the initiation of a new member was patterned after the Masonic ritual. Plummer has a copy of this ritual he will share in his presentation.
Plummer will also tell about several GAR posts located in Androscoggin County, one of which was Berry Post No.10 in Lisbon.
The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 207-353-8510 or email LisbonHistSoc@gmail.com.
