DuPage Historical Museum Announces Plans to Restore Civil War Flag

After rallying around the flag to raise money for its restoration, the DuPage County Historical Museum will restore a guidon flag carried by the 8th Illinois Cavalry during the Civil War, according to an announcement Thursday.

The 8th Illinois Cavalry fought with the Army of the Potomac and participated in the battle of Gettysburg.  A member of the 8th Illinois Cavalry, Marcellus Jones of Wheaton, fired the first shot at Gettysburg. 

With an estimated restoration cost of $20,000, the Museum has planned a series of events and initiatives to raise funds.  The first of these events was held last weekend with a featuring drills and presentations by the 8th Illinois Cavalry re-enactors.  

The flag has a distinctive swallow tail shape and was brought to DuPage County this past weekend for the first time since the war ended. Colonel Mark Whitlock and the Director of the Museum’s Foundation Larry Johnson personally brought the guidon from Springfield for viewing on Saturday, Apr. 30.

Col. Whitlock said that “the guidon is a cherished item. It is the only 8th Illinois Cavalry guidon and it’s a very important thing. ”

Museum Curator Sara Arnas said she was encouraged to see people from all over Illinois collaborate on one project. "When we started we really weren’t sure what our time frame would be but thanks to gracious donors we’re more than halfway to our goal.”

An anonymous donor, who had relative in the 8th Illinois Cavalry, agreed to provide matching funds for all donations received making the restoration effort within reach, according to a release from the DuPage County Historical Museum.

Both Col. James Pritzker and Col. Euclid Beverage donated $2,000 each to the project. Wheaton Bank and Trust pledged support with a $500 donation.

The fundraiser is in conjunction with the new exhibit at the Museum, “” and the commemoration of the 150 Anniversary of the beginning of the war. The Museum and the 8th Illinois Cavalry Reenactors look forward to displaying the completely restored guidon at the Museum. Restoration expects to take four to five months once all the funds have been raised.