by Joe Milositz, Robyn Proto, Carrie Evans
Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School, Bridgeport
TEACHER'S SNAPSHOT
Topics:
Civil War, Military Service
Grade:
Grade 8
Historical Background
The Myron D. Webster haversack in the collection of the Connecticut Historical Society is an example of a typical Civil War soldier’s gear. It includes personal belongings which include military-issued items and things he brought from home.
D1: Potential Compelling Question
D1: POTENTIAL SUPPORTING QUESTIONS
- What are the needs of soldiers during war?
- Who provides supplies to meet soldiers’ needs?
- How did civilians participate in the war effort?
D2: TOOL KIT
Things you will need to teach this lesson:

Myron D. Webster’s gear from his service in the Civil War – Connecticut Historical Society.
The Myron D. Webster collection is an example of a typical Civil War soldier’s gear. It includes personal belongings which include military-issued items and things he brought from home.

Blankets Are Wanted for the Army! broadside, ca. 1860 – 1869 – Connecticut Historical Society.
The Starr broadside solicits blankets from the home front to be used by Union soldiers and shows the need for civilian support during the war.
D3: INQUIRY ACTIVITY
Students should examine artifacts belonging to Myron D. Webster from the Connecticut Historical Society.
- What are the different items in the picture?
- Who might use these items?
- When might the items have been used?
- What were the items used for?
- Based on these artifacts, what were the needs of a solider during the Civil War?
- Where did the items come from and how do you know?
Students will read the broadside and answer the following questions.
- Who wrote this?
- Who are they writing to?
- After examining the broadside, what does this artifact tell you about what was expected of the civilian population during the Civil War?
- What is the relationship between civilians and the military today, and how have their roles changed or stayed the same?
D4: COMMUNICATING CONCLUSIONS
Students will share their specific evidence in response to the compelling question.
Have students research and identify the needs of soldiers today.
- Students will organize a supply drive.
- Students will create an advertisement for supplies for soldiers (i.e.: PSA, broadside, social media, etc)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Place to GO
Things To DO
Research the types of things civilians send to soldiers today: USO Wishbook
Websites to VISIT
ConnecticutHistory.org Topics Page – Civil War
Articles to READ
ConnecticutHistory.org: “Bridgeport Women Answer the Call” by Shirley T. Wajda.
Connecticut Historical Society: “Had a touch of the chills and fever” by Richard Malley.
Civil War Trust: Life of the Civil War Soldier in Camp