Museum & Civil War Enlistment Center
The Museum and Howard Hanna Memorial Civil War Enlistment Center consist of two buildings near the center of the hamlet of Hartford. They represent the history of life during the 1800s in a small upper New York State rural community and the participation of Hartford citizens in the Civil War. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Admission free, the Museum and Enlistment Center are maintained and operated by the Hartford Historical Group, a not-for-profit organization.
Hours:
The Museum and Enlistment Center are open to visitors on Saturday afternoons from 1 to 4 PM during July and August and at other times by appointment. For more information call: (518) 632-9151 or (518) 791-6116. School tours are also available.
The Museum:
Housed in the former Elisha Straight house, is reported to be the oldest remaining house in the hamlet of Hartford dating back to the early 1800s. The mission of the museum is to acquire, catalog and display the history of Hartford. The acquisition of furniture, books and memorabilia, and the educational display of these items, are important to understanding the industry and life that once existed in Hartford.
The Civil War Enlistment Center:
In this building the men of Hartford enlisted in Co. E. 123d Regt. New York State Volunteers. This is the story of their 3000 mile three year journey to glory and service to the Union. This building is the only Civil War Enlistment Center remaining in New York State. The collection concentrates on the men, their equipment, their stories and the battles.