Help GCHS Preserve Andrew Benton’s Portrait

Contribute to the fundraiser

First Sergeant Andrew Benton’s portrait by H. B. Aldrich, ca. 1863

The Greene County Historical Society has been presented the opportunity to purchase and preserve an extremely unique carte de visite of First Sergeant Andrew Benton of Catskill, a Non-Commissioned Officer of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry who served in the American Civil War.

A collector specializing in images of this era discovered Benton’s photograph several years ago. Following extensive research supported by historian Sylvia Hasenkopf we now have the chance to return this photograph of a Civil War soldier home to Greene County.

Mr. Benton was one of a number of young men from Catskill who enlisted in this celebrated and historic regiment when it was raised in 1863 following the Emancipation Proclamation. This photograph of him was taken by H. B. Aldrich of Catskill showing Benton in his uniform - the only image of its kind known to exist showing a Black civil war soldier from Greene County taken during their time of service.

Andrew Benton did not survive the war, being listed as missing in action and presumed dead following the regiment’s assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina on July 18, 1863. This priceless image, a testament to his life and service, has been offered to GCHS in order that the image may return home and be made available to the public to share his story and memory. Read more about how this picture came to light here: https://porcupinesoup.com/roots-mystery-photo-of-black-civil-war-soldier-traced-to-catskill

The total amount to be raised is $4,000 dollars based on an appraisal. Use the donation button at the top to make a contribution online or consider sending a check made out to the Greene County Historical Society in the amount of your choosing with the memo “photo fund.” Checks can be mailed to the following address:

Greene County Historical Society
90 County Highway 42
Coxsackie, NY 12051

Funds donated towards this cause will be directed expressly to the purchase and preservation of this remarkable artifact.