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| After the rededication of the Hancock mausoleum
in October of 1995, we decided to turn our attentions to educating
the public about this magnificent man. We still kept our name, The
Hancock Restoration and Maintenance Committee when it came to working
on the mausoleum, but when it came to dealing with the public, we
evolved into The W. S. Hancock Society. |
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| As we continue to care for the tomb and perform
Memorial Day services in May, we now also frequent various reenactments
and celebrations spreading the noble story of Winfield Scott Hancock.
We have developed a display entitled "Hancock:
A Pictorial History" which accompanies us on our outings. Bruce Stocking,
who joined our ranks during the restoration process,portrays General
Hancock for us and speaks of his life at various civic groups, churches,
scout groups, Civil War Rountables and historical societies. |
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Recently, we have formed a coalition of various
Civil War related groups to work with us in the huge job surrounding
the renovation of the Smith Memorial which stands in West Fairmount
Park just outside the city of Philadelphia. This gigantic Civil War
monument is dedicated to the Union generals who hailed from Pennsylvania.
Of course, there is an equestrian statue of Major General Winfield
Scott Hancock as he appeared leading the funeral procession of Ulysses
Grant along with one of General George B. McClellan and two standing
statues on pedestals of General George Gordon Meade and General John
F. Reynolds. Other lesser generals have busts tucked away in little
alcoves on the monument. |
The city of Philadelphia's Arts and Culture
Council tell us there is no money for this project so, in order to
keep our fragile heritage alive, it is a job we feel compelled to
do! Your donations for this work (which in total we are told will
be about a half million dollars)would be greatly appreciated.
Another facet of our society is our deep
commitment to the preservation of beautiful Montgomery Cemetery
where General Hancock, along with four other Civil War generals,
rest. This Victorian cemetery was once the premiere burial site
in Montgomery County. Today, hard work by committed volunteers will
be required to bring it back from the neglect and decay it has suffered
over the years. The Historical Society of Montgomery County now
holds the deed to this piece of Norristown History and are currently
raising funds to finance the back breaking work associated with
restoring and maintaining an American Treasure.
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Welcome to the W. S. Hancock Society
