Plaques Salute Dickinson’s History

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Talia Amorosano '17

This plaque designates Old West as one of several Civil War era buildings on Dickinson’s campus.

When Dickinson students returned to campus for the fall semester, they might have noticed new plaques commemorating the campus’s importance in Civil War battles.

Several buildings throughout campus, including Old West, Montgomery House and the Russian House, have been designated as “Civil War Buildings.” The plaques on these buildings all come from a program run by Historic Carlisle Inc., which seeks to designate buildings that existed during the Civil War period.

Mary Faller Duxbury, a Carlisle native and former chair of the Civil War Plaques program, started the program and said she drew inspiration from seeing similar plaques and notation in Gettysburg. The program kicked off in 2012, just in time for the 150th anniversary of the iconic Battle of Gettysburg.

Karen Faryniak ’86, chief of staff and secretary of Dickinson College, said that the administration welcomed the addition of these historic markers.

“When the local organization, Historic Carlisle, approached the college about participating in the Civil War Plaque Program, we readily agreed,” Farinyak said. “As Dickinsonians, we know that our history as a college is deeply intertwined with the history of the Carlisle region and our nation as a whole, so this program is a wonderful way to highlight our historical roots.”

In order to be designated a Civil War Building, the building must have 60 percent of the original 1860’s façade (excluding the roof). The owner must then submit documentation to Historic Carlisle Inc., who issues an 8.5”x5” bronze plaque that is cast locally by Paul W. Zimmerman Foundries and Erie Landmark Company.

Many students have praised the addition of these plaques.

“It gives Dickinson a more historic feel,” said Lily Sabol ’18.

Jamey Harman ’18 also said that she “appreciates the perspective it gives about how Dickinson College has witnessed so many monumental events.”