Portrait gallery opens 1st of 7 exhibits

The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington is opening the first of seven exhibits to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. On Friday, the museum opens "The Death of Ellsworth." It features a historic painting of Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, who was the first Union officer to be killed in the Civil War. Ellsworth commanded a volunteer regiment that invaded northern Virginia in 1861. • Article | • Exhibit images

Museum examines native son's notoriety

Strawbery Banke Museum's commemoration of New Hampshire in the Civil War leads with the history of Fitz John Porter, the political intrigues that shredded Portsmouth native's illustrious career, his court-martial after the Battle of Second Manassas and the struggle for his ultimate exoneration — 125 years ago this August. • Article | • Exhibit details

Donations help protect Georgia markers

Georgia’s Civil War signs could use a little love, in the form of donations for needed repairs and replacement.

According to a 2010 assessment of the nearly 1,000 markers, 60 percent need repair or repainting. Another 10 percent need to be replaced and more than 60 percent need new mounting posts.

The Georgia Battlefields Association in its May newsletter details the opportunity for the public to assist the effort.

The cost to repair or repaint a marker is $700-800 (depending on condition), to replace a marker is $2,200, and to replace a post is $300, according to the GBA.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources maintains the signs, according to Frankie Mewborn, cultural resources manager.

With the recession and government cutbacks, the state is now accepting private donations to help replace and preserve these educational signs.

If you’d like to contribute to historical marker maintenance, even specifying a marker that needs to be replaced or repaired, call Mewborn at 770-389-7271 or email him at frankie.mewborn@dnr.state.ga.us

• Listing of all Georgia historical markers (these do not reflect current condition)

Will trains in great chase be paired?

Marietta, Ga., Mayor Steve Tumlin will ask the city council on Wednesday to consider pursuing an effort with the city of Atlanta to obtain The Texas (left), a steam engine that trailed the General in the Great Locomotive Chase. Even if Atlanta agreed, getting it out of the building would be tricky. • Article

Bike tours to follow campaign routes

Many sites this summer will offer special tours marking the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, but one tour will allow participants to see history from a different perspective. Penn Trails will offer road bicycle tours through Cumberland, Adams, Dauphin, Franklin and York counties in Pennsylvania beginning in late May. The trips will include lodging. • Article