DERBY – Derby native Joseph M. DiRienzo loves writing about all things Valley, and with the release of his fourth book, “Lower Naugatuck Valley of Connecticut and the Civil War,” the author profiles the Union soldiers and sailors who once called the Valley home.   

The Valley Indy interviewed DiRienzo about his latest book, which he self-published in collaboration with the Derby Historical Society. He previously wrote three other Valley history books, which include “350 Years of Derby History,” “More 350 Years of Derby History” and “The Sterling Company.”

DiRienzo, 75, grew up on Chapel Street in east Derby. He now lives outside Philadelphia. He holds a doctorate degree in microbiology from McGill University and was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania for 40 years.

DiRienzo is a member of the Derby Historical Society Board of Directors, and 100 percent of the books’ proceeds directly benefit the nonprofit.

Here’s what DiRienzo had to say via an email interview about his latest offering (answers lightly edited for style and length):

VIS: What was the inspiration behind this latest book and what compelled you to write it?

JD: The Civil War was an epoch event in U.S. history. Although many books have been written about various Union regiments and aspects of the Civil War, the specific contributions of citizens from the Lower Naugatuck Valley towns have never been compiled in a unified and detailed treatise. Also, Soldiers Monument on the Derby Green has recently been beautifully restored. I thought that it was time to call attention to some of those men highlighted on that monument.  

VIS: How long did it take you to write this one?

JD: Oh, probably about six months to a year. It took a serious amount of time to collect information from many different sources, validate the information as best as possible and get the opinions of outside readers.

VIS: Can you summarize what this book is about, particularly focusing on the Valley aspect?

JD: The book profiles a number of Union soldiers and sailors who were born and/or raised in the LNV towns of Derby, Ansonia, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton and Beacon Falls. It also includes those who lived there, even for a short time, before and/or after the war. Some volunteer regiments that had relatively large numbers of enlistees from the LNV, local Grand Army of the Republic posts and monuments and other veterans’ organizations are highlighted. Extensive tables of data and maps of cemetery plots of veterans are provided. The text is supported by numerous images and artifacts from the Derby Historical Society, Derby Public Library and my personal collection.

VIS: Who were some of the key Valley players that fought in Civil War?

JD: There are so many!

* Colonel Charles Lambert Russell — very popular figure from Derby who was involved with the cause from a very early age. He has an impressive monument in Oak Cliff Cemetery that a local member of a Civil War veterans’ organization is raising money to restore. His name is on Soldiers Monument on the Derby Green.

* Colonel Elisha Strong Kellogg — another well-respected Civil War officer from Derby. The Birmingham GAR Post 26 was named in his honor. His name is on Soldiers Monument on the Derby Green.

* Colonel William Burr Wooster — well respected lawyer born in Oxford and had his practice in Derby. Closed his practice to volunteer. Fought at Gettysburg and later commanded the 29th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, the first colored regiment.

* Captain Austin Parker Kirkham — served in the Union Army and Navy. After the war he was City Clerk for Ansonia. His portrait hangs in City Hall.

VIS: What do you hope Valley readers especially will take away from the book after reading it?

JD: I hope that readers take away an appreciation of the substantial contributions of the Valley towns and sacrifices of Valley residents to the country’s battle to end slavery.

VIS: Why do you enjoy writing about the Valley and its history?

JD: I was born and raised in Derby and, like many other residents, have an attachment to the Valley. My training and experience is in scientific teaching and research. I especially enjoy the challenge of the research process and verifying facts. The study of history is no different in that respect.

VIS: Where can people purchase the book?

JD: Right now, the book can be purchased in the David Humphreys House and Museum Gift Shop (37 Elm St., Ansonia) and at some Derby Historical Society events. Online purchases can be made by going to: https://www.derbyhistorical.org/books-merchandise/

VIS: What are you working on next?  

JD: I do have several other book projects that are in various early stages of development. Several possible examples are: “Metal Men of the Connecticut Lower Naugatuck Valley” and “Photography in the 19th and Early 20th Century Lower Naugatuck Valley of Connecticut.” There is so much Valley history yet to be told.

VIS: Anything else you’d like to add?JD: Yes, in addition to the unwavering, and highly appreciated support of the executive director, officers and members of the board of directors of the Derby Historical Society, I also want to acknowledge the generous support of the Derby Public Library. Their local history coordinator has been extremely helpful with some of the research and civil war related items in their collection. Local amateur historians have also been very supportive.