Hello, my name is Vito Mazzola, and I am a Life Scout pursuing my Eagle Project. My Eagle Project is in conjunction with the Historical Society of Plainfield/Drake House Museum. The project will be to create a documentary memorializing the Civil War Veterans who are buried in The Soldiers’ Burial Plot of the Winfield Scott Post No. 73 of the G.A.R. located in Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains.

My team of Scouts and I will research and capture events that occurred in these soldiers’ lives and tell their stories. Some were taken prisoners or were wounded, and many suffered during their final years. I will be interviewing some of the local descendants of these soldiers. Also, I will be archiving some civil war artifacts in the Historical Society of Plainfield’s collection.

All proceeds from the gofundme page will go directly to support my Eagle Scout project. Funds are needed for: archival supplies for the artifacts; research fees required by web-based archives and preserved archives in local Public Libraries; audio, video and editing of the documentary. Any proceeds that are not used for the project will go directly to the Society to help with restoration of the Drake House and the educational programs that the Society provides for the local community and surrounding areas. Once the documentary is completed, it will be shared with the Society, the Plainfield Public Library, and Hillside Cemetery.

This project supports the very essence of the Society’s and Drake House’s mission to support the local communities with historical events that took place.

More information about Historical Society of Plainfield: The Drake House Museum is a city-owned public museum administered by the Historical Society of Plainfield, NJ. George Washington consulted with his officers at the Drake House during the Battle of Short Hills, fought over the Plainfield area on June 25-27, 1777. There is a Union County history card exhibit panel about Caesar, a freed African American and Revolutionary War teamster, on display in the dining room. A National and NJ Historic site, the Drake House is an exciting link to Plainfield's Revolutionary War history.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money for my Eagle Scout project which will benefit the Historical Society of Plainfield, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to my project.

Vito Mazzola

Life Scout

Troop 73