HEBRON — The Hebron Historical Society recently hosted Hebron resident Melissa Sheets, who spoke on The Washington D.C. Arsenal and Monument to its workers. Sheets, who is a graduate of Leavitt High School and University of Southern Maine, obtained her masters degree in art history from University of Nebraska, incorporating this subject as the basis for her thesis.

As Sheets explained, The Washington D.C. Arsenal, like many arsenals during the Civil War, employed women to assist in the manufacturing of ammunition. More specifically, the women of the Washington Arsenal were responsible for manufacturing gun cartridges. While the wages for this type of work were considered very good for the time, the job itself was considered dangerous and often looked down upon by the public. A more admirable job for a woman in those days was considered to have been nursing the sick and wounded.

Speaking to the dangers of working with gun powder, Sheets explained how mere static electricity was cause for alarm. This was due to the fact that gun powder was in the air, and any sort of spark could set off a major explosion. One of these explosions occurred in June of 1864, killing 22 women at the D.C. Arsenal.

As a result of this explosion, a monument committee was formed and a monument to these 22 women was erected, only one year after the explosion. This was considered a remarkable feat for the time. It is also believed to be one of the first public memorials for women. The Washington Arsenal Monument can be found in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington D.C.

The next society meeting will feature Marty Elkin of “A Wrinkle in Thyme” describing all aspects of wool production and uses. This will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, in the town office.

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