ROCKLAND, Maine (WABI) – The Rockland Historical Society celebrated a Civil War general’s birthday Saturday afternoon – and even gave him a very special gift.

The silver sword given to Rockland native Gen. Hiram Berry was stolen from a museum 40 years ago.

The sword was thought to be lost forever until a Civil War enthusiast found it at an auction in Cincinnati earlier this year.

Brian Harden of the Rockland Historical Society caught wind of the auction and purchased the sword for $6,000.

Then on Nov. 9, on the general’s 200th birthday, Harden donated the sword to the Rockland Historical Society during a celebration hosted by the Rockland Sail, Power & Steam Museum.

A re-enactor even played the role of the general to share his life story and accept the sword.

“I’m really glad it’s back home. It means a lot because he meant a lot to us,” said Brian Harden, president of the Rockland Historical Society.

The Rockland Historical Society is in the process of moving, but is still accepting memberships.

The Rockland Sail, Power & Steam Museum is open Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and features an assortment of maritime and local historical artifacts.

For more information about the historical society, you can visit rocklandhistoricalsociety.com.

If you want to know more about the museum you can visit sailpowersteammuseum.org.

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