Historic textiles are among the most vulnerable types of artifacts. Years of use, handling, and the natural aging of fibers gradually weaken these objects, leaving once-sturdy fabrics increasingly fragile. Recently, ICA–Art Conservation completed treatment on a Civil War U.S. Army issue blanket that will soon be on public display at the Firelands Historical Society.

This wool blanket is a rare surviving example of standard-issue military gear. Army blankets were among the first items issued to new recruits and were considered essential on campaign. Though not made of luxurious materials or designed with aesthetics in mind, soldiers guarded them closely, relying on them for warmth at night and often rolling them with a few personal items to wear in a distinctive “horseshoe” over one shoulder during marches. After the war, many of these utilitarian blankets were carried home and put to years of continued use in civilian life. Most were eventually worn out and discarded, making surviving examples increasingly uncommon.

Objects like this are far more than remnants of fabric; they are direct, tangible connections to the individuals and events that shaped American history. Preserving them allows future generations to encounter the past in a meaningful, material way. This particular blanket came into the possession of Marilyn Kamm, who shared its history:

My son, David Kamm, purchased and renovated a house that previously belonged to Dorothy Donaldson, whose husband, John Donaldson, was related to the Ransom family—some of the original settlers of the Firelands, who lived in the house for five generations. When the Kamm family acquired the property, it still held numerous historic belongings. Some items had already been donated to relatives and to the Firelands Historical Society, where they remain on display. During two cold winters, we sorted through the remaining family materials, including tintype photographs and other heirlooms, and distributed them among relatives. It was during this process that we discovered the blanket in a cardboard box labeled “George Ransom.” The moment I opened it, I recognized it as a Civil War blanket. I told David I would take it home until I could determine how best to preserve it. It stayed safely in my closet before I finally found an avenue to both conserve it and donate it for public benefit.

According to the National Park Service’s Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, George W. Ransom served as a Private in the 3rd Regiment, Ohio Cavalry.

ICA’s conservation treatment focused on stabilizing the textile and preparing it for long-term exhibition. Following treatment, the blanket was mounted to a custom-padded support board for display at the Firelands Historical Society.

The project has already generated enthusiasm among those connected to the object. The Firelands Veterans for the Preservation of Patriotism supported the effort, with representative Brian Alger noting, “We are proud to be a part of this process and having this item restored and displayed.”

At the Firelands Historical Society, anticipation is also building for the blanket’s arrival. Curator Diane Meyer shared, “We are excited to get this hung in our museum!”

These reflections highlight one of the most rewarding aspects of conservation work. While treatment stabilizes an object physically, it also strengthens the connections between communities and their shared history. Each conservation project represents a collaboration among caretakers, supporters, museums, donors, and conservators working toward a common goal: ensuring that important stories remain accessible for generations to come.

With treatment complete, the Ransom blanket now enters its next chapter. Soon, visitors to the Firelands Historical Society will have the opportunity to view this remarkable Civil War artifact firsthand and encounter a rare piece of history that has been carefully preserved for the future.

Ultimately, preservation is an act of stewardship. Through projects like the conservation of the Ransom blanket, historic objects continue to educate, inspire, and connect us to the people who came before us.