Save Joshua Chamberlain’s saddle (and the Gettysburg boots!)

BRUNSWICK — Pejepscot History Center, which owns and operates the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, kicks off a fundraising campaign for two priceless artifacts in its collection with a Conservation Gala on Thursday, Aug. 15.

The Gala takes place at Skyline Farm, a museum of horse-drawn transportation and historic site in North Yarmouth, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The evening is dedicated to conserving Chamberlain’s horse’s saddle and the boots the General wore while commanding the 20th Maine at the Battle of Gettysburg.

For more than 40 years, Chamberlain’s saddle — worn by his beloved horse Charlemagne and the Gettysburg boots have been on constant display, captivating visitors with their historical significance. They require professional conservation to ensure they remain protected and preserved for future generations. The estimated cost for the necessary conservation work, including cleaning, stabilization, and the creation of custom stands and cases, is $18,000. A private lead gift of $5,000 has jump started the campaign.

At the event, guests will enjoy guided tours of Skyline’s pristine carriage exhibits and the property’s beautiful grounds, a show-and-tell about the 1 ^st Maine Cavalry in the Civil War, the option of horse-drawn carriage rides by Pineglenn Farm, and a silent auction of Chamberlain artwork and sculpture. Descendants of a cousin of Chamberlain will be on hand in costume as Joshua and his wife Fanny.

Guests are welcome to attend in 19th century costume or summer cocktail attire. There will be live music, with refreshments by The Portland Board and a cash bar by Churchill Events.

Tickets for the Gala are $100 per person, or $125 including a carriage ride, which helps support the conservation work. Two special ticket packages are available. The $250 Gettysburg Patron Package includes two tickets to the event, with carriage ride, two drink tickets, and a copy of the new Chamberlain biography “On Great Fields: The Life and Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain” signed by author Ron White. The $500 Appomattox Patron Package includes four tickets to the event,with carriage ride, four drink tickets, a copy of the signed biography , and a final bid on any one item at the silent auction.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit https://pejepscothistorical.org/special-events/ or call 207-729-6606.

The Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the life and legacy of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Civil War hero, scholar, and governor of Maine, and his family. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits related to Chamberlain’s life and achievements.