Preserve & Showcase Local Civil War History

Hi, my name is Sean Haardt. I am a history teacher at Middletown High School in Middletown, Maryland. I am also a Civil War enthusiast and metal detector who tries to bring that history into the classroom as much as possible.

We all know how much of the local farmland and green spaces around us are being developed just with the natural population increase and being in the path of progress. I'm also troubled with how little my students know about what happened 150 years ago on the same roads they take to school every day, on the same farms and fields they drive by, and under what is now the same paved ground they park their cars on and order their morning donuts. There are also very few displays, at least that I've seen, reminding young people of that history, a notable exception being some of the recent signage and newer points of interest in downtown Middletown. Nice job, Burgess Miller and Middletown Town Council!

I'm trying to raise just $1300 to pay for the materials and construction of a beautiful but sturdy, three-by-three display case made of one-of-a-kind local reclaimed wood with a locking security glass lid, appropriately and professionally made by a craftsman in Sharpsburg, MD. The display will showcase historical artifacts recovered by me and donated by local farms and families in the community and is to be permanently donated to Middletown High School's library and media center.

After receiving approval from my school principal in the Fall of 2021, I had nearly given up on this project after a friend of mine who had originally offered to build the display went dark. So I went to another friend who has built some amazing pieces and described what I wanted. When he quoted me the price for what I really needed built, even with the "friend discount", it was still $1250 and I couldn't afford it. So I "tabled" it again.

This is my 3rd attempt to ensure this important part of local history and education reaches generations of students coming through our halls. I'm putting in $250 and many hours of my future. If we surpass the goal and do so enough, I'll build another one for the Boonsboro schools. Please help me preserve and showcase this history for these kids and get their eyes off their phones for a few ;).

And if you think you have Civil War relics on your property or know that you do and would like to help out, please reach out. You will be given the option of having your donation (relic I find on your farm/property, not $$) and family acknowledged in our display. We are always looking for more properties to detect before it is too late.

Gratefully,

Sean