Roush to present Civil War history at Highland House July 15

Civil War enthusiasts and anyone interested in local or national history will be sure to find something to enjoy in Terry Roush's exhibit and upcoming Civil War discussion, set for Tuesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Highland House Museum.

The Highland County Historical Society will open the doors at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday for those interested in checking out the Civil War exhibit, along with the Detwiler Show, an art exhibit currently featured at the museum spotlighting the paintings of three Hillsboro sisters.

Roush, who taught math and science in the Lynchburg-Clay school system for over 30 years, said he was "bit by the Civil War bug" in the 1980s.

Roush said that he wanted to clarify that his purpose is to inform, not to celebrate, the Civil War.

"I am in no way, shape or form trying to glorify war," Roush said. "All war is terrible. There's nothing good about it."

Roush said he and his wife, Gloria, have taken on this project together, as Roush takes his collection to local schools, and his wife maintains "a big Civil War library" and their home and researches historical information and documentaries.

The Roushes have traveled to 25 or 30 battlefields, some on multiple occasions, to further their research into the Civil War. While in these towns, they learn about the battlefield, the encampments and stories about the people there. 

The Roushes also seek historical memorabilia from these battlefields and the surrounding areas, as Roush is a collector of Civil War relics. The Roushes have gone searching for artifacts themselves and have purchased from reputable dealers across the country to add to their collection. 

Roush said that it is increasingly difficult to find Civil War artifacts, as "the infatuation with the Civil War has gone international" and the price of such items "has skyrocketed."

Many pieces from Roush's Civil War collection, on display through the end of July at Highland House, have either personal or local connections. No matter their origin, Roush can tell everyone the story behind each item, large or small.

"I have researched these items and have the personal background, where they came from and the story behind them," Roush said.

Among the artifacts on display that will be discussed in Tuesday's presentation are letters and discharge papers from the Roushes' own family; battlefield relics, some of which Roush himself discovered; and quartermaster records from Ross County.

For those unable to make it to Tuesday's presentation, the exhibit can be viewed through the end of July, Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m.