Projects
The goal of this project is, insofar as possible, to locate the final resting place of every Union Civil War Veteran and enter that information into SUVCW’s National Graves Registration Database. This is a huge undertaking and we can use as many interested people as possible. Considerable fieldwork is needed to obtain the information that will be placed into the National database and diligence is required to ensure accuracy. Individuals who wish to assist may obtain a set of instructions, a list of abbreviations, and a Grave Registration form by clicking on this link Graves Registration Form and Information Packet. Remember it’s important to obtain all information required on the form and to let our Camp know of your results so we can add it to our website in addition to the National database.
So far, the Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 has identified 146 graves from three different cemeteries in Nassau County and recorded sufficient information on 33 of these to send them on to National. You can participate by recording only your own ancestor(s), by searching a cemetery near where you live or one that is of interest to you. This work can be done over time as accuracy and completeness are important. And, if you ferret out a story about the veteran we will post it on our website. Additional information about a veteran’s service can be found on the various sites listed on the Links page.
Cemeteries Visited so far:
Greenfield, Uniondale
Oakfield, Wantagh
Westbury Friends
To see the results of our work click on the blue heading Graves Registration Project, above.
As legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), preservation of Civil War Memorials, particularly GAR memorials, is one of the most important goals of the SUVCW. We intend to physically search out, inspect, photograph, and catalog each and every such memorial that can be found. In addition, we intend to ensure that all these memorials receive proper maintenance and, if necessary, restoration. An example of this is our involvement in the restoration of Patchogue’s Richard J. Clarke monument twice reported by NEWSDAY. (See Camp News for more information. The Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 is surveying Nassau County and will share all information collected with the Department of New York and the National Organization.
This is a very large project and we can use your assistance. If you know of a GAR monument or Civil War-related memorial (of any size/design) near you, we invite you to share this information with us. You can download and print a copy of the SUVCW Assessment form by accessing the following link: GAR Monuments / Civil War Memorials Assessment Form (CWM #61).
For more information or if you would like to participate in this project please contact:
Memorials Officer
Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544
1854 Old Mill Road
Merrick, NY 11566
(516) 379-2152
Rally Round the Flags
The Department of New York has a Rally Round the Flags Committee which is working to raise money from New York State and from private personal and corporate donations to conserve and exhibit the Civil War Battle Flags which were brought to Albany as New York’s 200+ Regiments were mustered out at the end of the War. These flags, about 1,000 in number, are at the State Capitol, the NYS Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, the Peebles Island Facility of NYS Department of Parks and Historic Preservation, and a few Armories. A building, perhaps an addition to the Military Museum, is needed to provide proper exhibition space plus about $4,000,000 to conserve all the flags. About half, mostly the smaller ones, have been done so far and it is estimated that the average cost to conserve the others is $7,500 each. Our Camp is working with the Department’s Committee by soliciting donations. More information is available on the Department of NY website and on the website of the NYS Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.
Donations are made to the Friends of the NYS Military Museum a 501(c) 3 organization with a note indicating that they are to be used for Civil War Flag conservation as neither our Camp nor the Department yet have 501(c) 3 status. You can see and print a donation form and a sample letter to elected officials here.
For more information: Dennis J. Duffy, Secretary, Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 duffy99999@aol.com 516-593-4014