Welch Honored For His Contributions Helping Community Understand Civil War

Putnam County Historian Dale Welch honored for his contributions to helping the current generation understand the Civil War.

Welch presented the Civil War Remembrance Award by the National Society Daughters Of The Union. The award given for Welch’s stories in local newspapers about the war as well as his work at the Monterey Depot Museum on Civil War-related exhibits.

“His commitment to the education of local Civil War history through both published articles and museum docent talks, has spanned over two decades,” Society Member Lynn Constan said. “He has helped preserved the often forgotten impact of the war on the general public, bringing history to life on an individual level.”

Welch is a member of both the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Sons of Union Veterans. Constan said he has published booklets of stories representing the lives of Confederate soldiers. He has plans for a book.

“His stories dealt not with major battles and troop movements, although those are important as well, but rather the personal side of the war and its impact on local residents,” Constan said. “The things that we don’t always think about when we study history.”

The National Society Daughters of the Union was founded in New York City. According to its website, the society honors the soldiers and patriots who were dedicated to preserving the Union during the Civil War.

Constan presented the award at Monday night’s meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. She represented the Julie Ann Markham chapter.