CHAPEL HILL--The 150th Anniversary of the Civil War is in its dawning stages and a remarkable exhibit that recounts the time period through hundreds of documents, images and publications continues to draw the interest of people throughout the state of North Carolina.

The Wilson Special Collections Library at UNC houses one of the largest accumulations of primary source material in the United States concerning the Civil War. In April of 2011, the Library launched Civil War Day by Day. A concept four years in the making, those who lived through the war have their story told via letters, diaries, telegrams, newspapers, photographs and maps. One does not have to be a student to browse through these discoveries, as all special collections at UNC Libraries are open to the public.

Archivist Biff Hollingsworth with the Southern Historical Collection in the Wilson Library said it is possible people may encounter strong personal connections.

"The most rewarding aspect of the project is when we are able to make a personal connection for one of our readers. We have had several inquiries from descendants of people we have featured on the site. They have been appreciative of the fact that we have honored their ancestor in this way," said Hollingsworth.

A highlight within the Civil War Day by Day collection is the Battles page. The compelling tale of the First Battle of Bull Run is revealed through letters, diary entries, a cover of the Daily Journal from Wilmington, N.C. and a rare photograph of a young soldier named Theodore Wheaton King. Included in a letter mailed by King's father in 1861, it was a final attempt to learn the fate of his son. These are only a small sampling of the vast selection of items available for the Battle of Bull Run.

On a local note, one can find the Ordinance of Secession for the Tar Heel state:

And a ball invitation for the University of North Carolina's graduating class from 1861:

The Civil War Day by Day will continue through April 26, 2015, the 150th anniversary of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's surrender to Gen. William T. Sherman at Bennett Place in Durham.

The staff at UNC created a video to recount how the Day by Day exhibit came into existence.

In order to learn more about Wilson Library and its collections, send an Email to Wilson Library Research & Instruction or contact by phone at 919-962-3765.