In the Middle of History: Military Service of Salem’s Citizens (1756-1865) The French and Indian War to the U.S. Civil War, the First 100 Years

Alec McMorris will present “In the Middle of History: Military Service of Salem’s Citizens (1756-1865) The French and Indian War to the U.S. Civil War, the First 100 Years  

November 6, 2025  6:30 p.m. Historic Salem Courthouse, East Broadway, Salem, NY. The talk is sponsored by the Salem Town Historian’s Office. 

Salem has a long and distinguished history of service to our country. From the first settlers, one of whom was a Rogers’ Ranger, the Salem Militia fighting off the Massachusetts Milita, to our two Medal of Honor recipients. During the talk, Alec will share some facts and stories about the military exploits of Salem residents, during the first 100 years of Salem. A follow-up talk will cover the last 160 years. 

Alec McMorris was born and raised in Salem. He was a 1996 graduate of Salem Washington Academy. Alec earned a Bachelor of Arts in History at the Virginia Military Institute in 2000. He retired in 2020 after serving 20 years Active Duty in the United State Army. Alec worked for 3 years as a contractor for the U.S. Department of State and moved back to Washington County in 2023. He was previously a member of the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team and the Songs of the American Revolution. Alec is a current member of the American Legion, Francis J. Clark Post 812, The 82nd Airborne Division Association and is currently serving as a Trustee on the Board of the Washington County Historical Society. 

He loves studying history, particularly the areas of local history, U.S. Colonial history, U.S. and European Military History as well as Irish and Scottish history. 

Alec currently lives in the Town of White creek with his wife Crystal McMorris. 

The program is free and open to the public. Donations are gladly accepted.