To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the National Prisoner of War Museum, the Andersonville National Historic Site has created a special commemorative Christmas tree ornament. The ornament is offered for sale by Eastern National at the museum bookstore, is available for $14.95. The two-sided pewter ornament is in the shape of an oval. The front side shows an engraving of the museum and the year 1998, the year the museum was opened. The back of the ornament is engraved with Andersonville National Historic Site.

This is the second year the park has created a Christmas ornament. Last year’s ornament is back this year as well. The popular Andersonville Pickle ornament was offered for sale last year. This ornament has been placed on many Christmas trees all over the nation. The tradition is that good luck comes to the person who can find the green ornament in hidden in the Christmas tree.

What most people don’t know is that the tradition originates at Camp Sumter from a Union prisoner of war. Bavarian born John Lower was a solider in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry. According to family legend, Lower was close to death when he begged a guard for a pickle to eat before he died. The guard took pity on him and brought him a pickle, which according to the prisoner, was enough to keep him alive.

Two different styles of the pickle ornaments are available for sale (one for $5.95 and another for $6.95) at the Museum and both come with an explanation of John Lower’s story.

The National Prisoner of War Museum is located at Andersonville National Historic Site , 10 miles north of Americus on Ga. Highway 49. The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 924-0343 ext. 204.