Orton Begner taught Social Studies at Gates Chili for 31 years. In his retirement, he's taking his interest in American history a step further. He's helping an old friend with the Military History Society of Rochester.

Three years ago, Chuck Baylis opened the American Civil War Artillery Association in a studio space at Anderson Alley Studios. On display, his personal collection of Civil War artifacts.

What began as a way for Baylis to share his collection has officially become a Historic Society chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.

Begner joined Baylis about a year ago when the focus of the museum changed from Civil War to Rochester's involvement in all of America's military conflicts.

“Now, our focus is all the way from the War of 1812, which is really the beginning of the military history of Rochester and this area, all the way up to the present day, including Iraq and Afghanistan.” Begner says.

“If you look at the other museums here in Rochester,” Begner adds, “To be honest, they don't do a lot with military history, especially the military history of this area. I think it’s important for people to realize that there’s plenty of people from this area, all the way back to the War of 1812 who were involved in the military."

Many war artifacts can be found for sale on the internet, but collecting local artifacts presents its own challenges.

"If you're willing to take anything from the Civil War or anything from the Spanish-American War, you can find things fairly easily. If you want something from a man in from Rochester in the Spanish-American war, that's a little harder to do."

To honor V-E Day, the Military History Society of Rochester is working on a display that will capture the real and fundamental changes that came to the United States as a result of the end of the war in Europe.

"May 8, 1945, was really the beginning modern America if you will. So I think it is worthwhile."

Relatives, descendants and all veterans of wars past and present are encouraged to donate Rochester-specific artifacts.

“If you can find somebody that has, not only the uniform, but photographs, letters, and personal items, it makes it so much more interesting." Begner adds.

"Victory in Europe" runs from May 6 to June 2 at the Military History Society of Rochester, 250 North Goodman St., Rochester. On Saturday, May 7, at 1 p.m. a talk will be given by the local World War II veterans and a discussion will follow.

For more information follow the link below:
Military History Society of Rochester