Vermont Civil War Hemlocks, Incorporated

"There lies the best fighting Colonel in the Union Calvary " - a quote from General George Custer upon viewing his friend and fellow calvary officer - Addison Preston - after he was killed at Hawe's Shop, VA.

You can help bring Lt Col Preston's - 1st Vermont Cavalry - Civil War dress uniform, sword, and accouterments home to the Danville Historical Society, which will add to their collection of Preston artifacts.

Preston was a lawyer from Danville, Vermont, before the Civil War. He volunteered for the 1st Vermont Cavalry, rising in the ranks - about to be promoted to full Colonel before being killed at Hawe's Station in 1864. His funeral was one of the most significant events ever held in Danville. The Historical Society already has several Preston items, but these new artifacts would prove to be a great addition and bring them home to Danville for permanent display and preservation

The nonprofit Vermont Civil War Hemlocks - founded in 1963 as a living history organization to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Civil War - has a long history of supporting battlefield and Civil War-related preservation efforts - having raised all the funds to help preserve the William Chapin artifacts now on permanent display at the Vermont Militia Museum. They are partnering with the Danville(Vermont) Historical Society to complete the fundraising needed to bring Lt Col Prestons' dress uniform, sword, and accouterments home to Danville

Please consider donating to make this happen for Danville Historical Society! All funds from GoFundME by the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks will go directly to the Danville Historical Society to complete this purchase. These items were held in a private museum in Fort Worth, TX, for some years and are currently being sold on consignment by the well-respected military memorabilia vendor The Horse Soldier in Gettysburg, PA. The Danville Historical Society has already secured the items with a down payment with a year to raise the total asking price.

Just Announced: We are now raised over 50% of the needed funds to complete the full purchase of the Addison Preston Artifacts.

We have changed the goal of this GoFundMe fundraiser to more accurately reflect the full purchase price of $27,500 for the artifacts. This GoFundMe page has proven very successful so far with most donations coming through this page. We are actively soliciting both businesses and foundations with good response as well. Please continue to spread the word to all who may have an interest! Thanks to all our donors

As an added incentive Dr. Minsinger has agreed to donate a copy of his book The 1927 Flood in Vermont and New England for donations of $100 or greater. He will honor the donations already made in that regard as well. A number of books have already been sent out to donors.

See the complete collection at