Events Section

Civil War Events Dec.–Feb.

Originally published December 2017 · pp. 40–42

It’s Christmastime at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park. Experience the merry traditions of pre-war Arkansas first-hand, as we give you a “taste” of the food, songs, decorations, and lore that made the Ozarks so colorful during this wonderful time of year. Join living historians and park staff for tours, demonstrations, crafts, and more during this antebellum Christmas event! For information; 479-846-2990, https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/ christmas-open-house-148220/

Dec 2-3, Florida. Living History

This program will allow visitors to interact with living historians to experience life in the fort as is was in 1864. The grounds will be bustling with soldiers in period costumes involved in fireing demonstrations, marching drills, cooking and daily activities. Ladies in their dresses, sutlers displaying their wares, fife players and drummer boys bring every part of the Civil War era to life. Come join in this unique family friendly event, the First Weekend Union Garrison at Fort Clinch State Park, 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Fla. Price is $2.50 in addition to regular park admission. For information; 904-277-7274, https://www.floridastateparks.org/park-events/Fort-Clinch

Dec. 2-3, Tennessee. Civil War Show & Sale

MK Shows presents the Middle Tennessee Civil War Show in Franklin for collectors and history enthusiasts. Located at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Ln., Franklin, Tenn. 37064. Free parking. 1,000 sale and display tables. Adults $10, Children under 12 are free. Open Sat. 9-5 p.m. and Sun. 10-3 p.m. For info: www.MKShows.com, email Mike Kent at [email protected]

Dec. 2-3, West Virginia. Yuletide Event

Experience Captain Flagg’s US Quartermaster City, 1864: Prospects of Peace at Harpers Ferry National Historical State Park, the yuletide event from the war that determined the union of the states and the eventual freedom of four million enslaved people. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Location: Lower Town. For information; https://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/living-historyevents.htm

Dec. 8-10, Georgia. Reenactment

The 153rd Battle of Fort McAllister will be held at the 1720-acre park that is home to the Civil War earthen works fort and museum. Hosted by Clint Stanley, Dec. 8th at 6 p.m. through noon Dec. 10th. Campground sites for RV’s and tents. 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, Ga. For information; 912-727-2339.

Dec. 9, Alabama. Christmas Celebration

You are invited to Pond Spring, the General Joe Wheeler Home for the “Christmas at Wheeler” event! Tour the decorated museum and enjoy sweet treats and hot cocoa. Children can take “sleigh rides” in a horse drawn buggy and families will enjoy concerts featuring local school and church choirs. Admission is $8/Adults, $5/Seniors, College Students & Military & $3/Children 6-18. For information; 256-637-8513 or pondspringdirector@ gmail.com

Dec. 9, Georgia. Candlelight Christmas at Liberty Hall

The home of Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens in Crawfordville, Ga. will be decorated with styles of the Victorian Christmas past. Enjoy crafts and a candlelight tour, accompanied by the Christmas sounds of the era. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $4-$6. For information; 706-4562602, http://gastateparks.org/AHStephens

Dec. 9, North Carolina. Candlelight Tour

Annual Christmas in the Piedmont and our signature Candlelight Tour Program at the Bennett Place State Historic Site. Visit during the day and witness how this occasion was celebrated in the Piedmont Carolinas during the Civil War. Living historians will decorate the farm in a typical modest fashion of the time. Christmas decorations and packages in the main house, soldiers will demonstrate Christmas in the field and of course, a visit with Ole St. Nick. Free Program 10-4. Come back later that evening for Candlelight Tour Program. Program runs 6-9 p.m. Cost: $3 per adult and $2 per child ages 5-16. Under 5 free. For info: 919-383-4345, [email protected], www. bennettplacehistoricsite.com

Dec. 9, Virginia. Civil War Lecture Series

Presented by John V. Quarstein, Director Emeritus, USS Monitor Center at the Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, Va. at 2:30 p.m. The Confederate Navy introduced commerce to the Civil War when the CSS Nashville sank the merchant marine Harvey Birch. Commerce raiders decimated the American merchant marine and whaling ships; however, the Nashville might have been the first; yet, not the most successful. It was trapped near Savannah, Georgia, and was destroyed by the monitor USS Montauck, captained by Commander John. L. Worden.

Dec. 31, Pennsylvania. General Meade Birthday Celebration

The General Meade Society of Philadelphia will mark the 26th annual anniversary of the birth of General George G. Meade, heroic commander of the victorious Union army at the Battle of Gettysburg by celebrating his birthday at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia where the he is interred. Parade and ceremony begin at 12 p.m. Military and civilian living historians are encouraged to participate! Visitors and participants will gather at the Gatehouse of Laurel Hill at 11:30 a.m. Parade of Civil War reenactment units, civilians in period attire, heritage groups, and participants will process to the final resting place of the Victor of Gettysburg and memorialize his services to the nation. Champagne toast and reception will follow program. Tour of the cemetery will be offered. For information and registration; Dr. Andy Waskie at 215-204-5452 or [email protected]

Jan. 6-7, South Carolina. Civil War Show & Sale

Low Country Civil War Show & Sale at Omar Shrine Temple, Mount Pleasant, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-3. Sponsored by American Digger Magazine. For information, 770-362-8671, 716-574-0465, [email protected]; http:// americandigger.com/american-digger-events

Jan. 19-21, Florida. Reenactment

Annual Brooksville Raid hosted by the Hernando Historical Museum Assoc. and the N. Pinellas County Scout Sertoma Club. Two battles (2:30 p.m. Sat. & 1:30 p.m. Sun.) Children’s battle will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20th for reenactor children only. $5 reenactor fee will be collected at the registration desk. For information; www. brooksvilleraidreenactment.com, Joan Casey [email protected]. Sutler information; Bob Burnett, [email protected]. Cannon registration; Bob Gomillion, [email protected].

January 20-21, Arizona. Reenactment

Yuma Civil War Days will be held at the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park located at 201 N. 4th Avenue, in Yuma from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience living history along with reenactments of the battles Sat. at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and on Sun. at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For more information; contact the Arizona Civil War Council, Inc. at 480-720-6993 or email; [email protected]

February 2-4, Florida. Reenactment

Be here for the 32nd Annual Fort Taylor Civil War Heritage Days on February 2-4, 2018 in Key West. This 3-day event portrays the time period of 1861-1862 at a Federal fortress. First person interpretation, weapons demonstrations and camp life are featured daily. Hours are Fri. 8 a.m. to Sun. 5 p.m. For more information; [email protected]. fl.us or 305-292-6850.

Living history for local schools. Come and share your knowledge of the Civil War with Columbia and Montour County school children.

Feb. 3-4, Georgia. Civil War Show

MK Shows presents the Chickamauga (Dalton) Civil War Show in Northwest Georgia Trade Center, Dalton, Ga., for collectors and history enthusiasts. Over 400 sale and display tables. Adults $10, Children under 12 are free. Open Sat. 9-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10-3 p.m. For info: www.MKShows.com, email Mike Kent at [email protected].

February 16-18, Florida. Reenactment

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park will host the weekend long 42nd Annual Reenactment commemorating the 154th anniversary of the Battle of Olustee. Events will include a wreath laying ceremony, Civil War Memorial Service, tours and medical demonstrations, entertainment, arts, crafts and food booths along with artillery night firing and old fashioned barn dance. Spectators can visit authentic campsites, watch the parade, view artillery inspections, listen to a period music concert and watch the battle reenactment. Festivities will end with the Battle of Olustee Ball at the Ball Tent. Period attire required. This activity is for participants only. For info: 877-635-3655; www.battleofolustee.org

February 22-25, Mississippi. Reenactment

Mississippi Stands Civil War Reenactment Battle of Brice’s Crossroads. This is an event that will feature some of the vital Historic Battles for the control of Mississippi and border states. Battles will take place on nearly 2,000 acres of Historic Battlefield located at Brice’s Crossroads in Baldwyn. All reenactors and organizations are invited to attend this historic event. There will be both campaign style battles along with spectator battles along with mainstream, campaign and civilian camps for everyone. For information; 662-680-4025.

February 24-25, South Carolina. Reenactment

See history come alive with cannons, cavalry horses and living history experts. This reenactment has grown from a few hundred men with muskets to a fullblown Civil War festival. In addition to the battles, there will be authentic 19th century military encampments, living history presentations, reproductions of medical facilities, signal service and civilian portrayals. Food vendors will be on site. $12/adults, $6/ages 6-12, 5 & under free. Event location: 1210 Powell Pond Road, Aiken, SC 29801. Info: www.battleofaiken.