An Evening of Films about the Civil War

Neversink Valley Museum Early Film Institute screenings D.W. Griffth silent films CUDDEBACKVILLE, N.Y. — On Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m., the Neversink Valley Area Museum Institute for Early Film Studies will screen a number of rarely-seen short films about the Civil War made by director D.W. Griffith in 1910 and 1911. Best known for his controversial three-hour epic “The Birth of a Nation,” released in 1915, Griffith made a number of short films about the Civil War prior to that. In some ways, these movies can be looked on as “studies” for the epic that was to follow. Some films favor the South, some the North, but all of them have a particular point of view that will be examined during this screening. Seth Goldman, executive director of the museum warns that some of the images in these films will be as controversial and difficult to watch for some audience members as “Birth of a Nation” is, but promises a fascinating program for film buffs, Civil War buffs and anyone concerned with racial issues in our country. A brief discussion of the films and the continuing question of whether or not Griffith was a racist will be part of the evening’s presentation. Refreshments, sponsored by Price Chopper of Matamoras, will be served. This event will be held at the D & H Canal Park Visitor’s Center, 58 Hoag Road, (just off US Route 209) Cuddebackville, N.Y. Suggested donation is $5. The Neversink Valley Area Museum is open Friday through Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. through Oct. 28 and by appointment. For more information about the museum, its mission to preserve local history or any events, call 754-8870 or check the website: www.neversinkmuseum.org. The museum is at 26 Hoag Road, in Cuddebackville.