Missouri Historical Society

The Missouri Historical Museum will use grant funds to conserve a group of artifacts relating to the Civil War. Artifacts include fragile, oversized flags; bound volumes; and paper-based archival materials. Included among the items is the diary of Adam Burns Smith. Smith enlisted with Company B of the 33rd Missouri Infantry Volunteers (Union) in Jefferson City on August 14, 1862. The next year, Smith found himself in the midst of Gen. U.S. Grant’s massive campaign against Vicksburg. This diary provides a unique look at the war from the perspective of an individual soldier. Treatments will include cleaning, stabilization, and digital documentation, which will allow greater access to the objects through online exhibits.