Exhibit honoring Montco Civil War general to open this month

SCHWENKSVILLE An exhibit examining the life of Civil War hero Galusha Pennypacker is scheduled to open Jan. 20 at Pennypacker Mills.

Pennypacker was a brevetted major general who received the Medal of Honor for valor in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher. The exhibit, featuring photographs, military and personal belongings, newspaper articles, booklets about the battle, and other items, marks the 150th anniversary of the battle fought outside Wilmington, N.C., and will include a talk Jan. 25 in the second-floor galleries.

Curator Carl Klase will discuss Pennypacker's personal and professional lives from 1 to 2 p.m.

Born in Valley Forge, Pennypacker was a cousin of Pennsylvania Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker. He volunteered at 17 and commanded the Second Brigade in the battle at Fort Fisher, during which he was wounded. Despite being severely wounded four times, Pennypacker was in 20 major engagements during the war.

Pennypacker Mills, at 5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville, is operated by the Montgomery County Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. For more information, call 610-287-9349 or go to www.montcopa.org/pennypackermills.

The exhibit is scheduled to be included on all guided tours of the Pennypacker Mansion, which are free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays.

- Inquirer staff