Events Section
Civil War Events April – June
Originally published April 2018 · pp. 41–45
April 4-8, Pennsylvania. Annual Nat’l. Ed Bearss Symposium on Military Leadership & Combat
Featuring Edwin Bearss, Steve Bockmiller, Jim Schmick, & others. Sessions on all aspects of American military history including a tour of the decisive 1814 battle of Baltimore, which saved the city from destruction and yielded our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. Tour also includes frontier forts in the Cumberland Valley with Fort Loudon and Fort McCord as well as visiting the National Civil War Museum, U.S. Army War College and other sites. Optional tours of Shepherdstown battlefield, historic confederate graves and more. For information; 717-264-7101 or visit CivilWarSeminars.org
April 6-8, Maryland. Symposium
Nineteenth Annual Lincoln Assassination Studies. Current researchers and authors in the field share thoughts on how a divided nation dealt with the death of Lincoln, how John Surratt interacted with female agents for the Confederacy, the ongoing stories of Dr. Mudd, the illegalities of the Conspiracy Trial, a CSI: Washington investigation of how the evidence was handled, and more. Also included are off-site bus tours and a dinner program. Reservation and payment required in advance. Cost: $185/person – bus tours priced separately. Special hotel rates. For info; 301-868-1121.
April 7: Enjoy Park Day at 156-plus sites in 32 states and D.C.
Join other volunteers to spruce up and preserve battlefields and historic sites from sea to shining sea on Park Day 2018. Share scenes and stories of the past with a child, rake leaves, tidy trash, paint a cannon, build a trail, get a Park Day T-shirt, or hear a historian. Hosted by Civil War Trust and partners since 1996. Includes Civil War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812 sites. See civilwar.org/parkday – and please share your volunteerism online, using #ParkDay2018.
April 7, Virginia. Conference
Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute annual spring conference (8:30 am–4 pm) “Another Era in Our War Life”: When the Home Front Became the Battle Front. Join nationally-recognized Civil War historians Eric Campbell, Allen Guelzo, Jonathan A. Noyalas, Frank O’Reilly, and Anne Sarah Rubin for an in-depth examination of how some of the Civil War’s most storied battles and campaigns impacted communities and civilians. Registration fee of $50 (special $20 student rate with valid student id) covers all lectures, lunch, and tour of Sheridan’s Field Hospital site in Winchester. Space is limited! For registration info or to register contact Prof. Jonathan Noyalas at [email protected] or 540-665-4501.
April 7-8, Mississippi. Civil War Show
Join us for the 9th Annual Corinth Civil War Relic Show & Sale, sponsored by Col. W.P. Rogers, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp #321. Located at the Crossroads Arena, 800 S. Harper Road, in Corinth. The show hours are 9–5 on Sat. and 9–3 on Sun. Dealer tables are $60 until Jan. 15, then the price is $80. Admission is $5 or adults and children under 12 are free. While in Corinth, make sure to visit the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, Crossroads Museum at the Depot and the nearby Shiloh National Battlefield. For more information; call Larry McDonald at 662-415-5676 or email [email protected] or Buddy Ellis at 662-665-1419 or email bellis1960@ comcast.net.
April 8, Kentucky. Seminar
The Battle of Richmond Assoc. and the Madison Country Civil War Roundtable present “an Afternoon with Lt. Col. George Armstrong Customer as portrayed by Rick Williamson Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Located at Mount Zion Christian Church, 830 Battlefield Memorial Highway, Richmond, Ky. Which served as a field hospital during the Battle of Richmond fought on August 29 & 30, 1862. For more information; 859-624-0013
April 13-15, North Carolina. 21st Annual Salisbury Confederate Prison Symposium
Sponsored by the Robert F. Hoke Chapter 78, United Daughters of the Confederacy. Begins on Fri. with banquet, lectures, music, recognition of veterans, and door prizes. Lectures, light lunch, displays, and books on Sat.
There will be a 10 a.m. Memorial Service for prisoners at the Salisbury National Cemetery and an 11 a.m. Service for guards at the Old Lutheran Cemetery on Sun. Confederate and Union reenactors will comprise the Honor Guard. Tour of prison site after lunch. Registration $65 per person when postmarked by March 23, $75 afterwards. $15 charge for refunds after March 30. No refunds after April 6. Mail checks to Robert F. Hoke Chapter 78, UDC, PO Box 83, Salisbury, NC 28145-0083. For info: Sue Curtis, Symposium Chairman at 704-637-6411, [email protected]
April 13-14, Virginia. Civil War Show
The Northern Virginia Relic Hunters Association presents its 46th Annual Civil War Show located at Fredericksburg Expo Center 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Over 200 tables of the finest Civil War, World Wars I & II and earlier military effects, relics, memorabilia, books, paper goods, art and antique weapons. Admission is $8, good for both days, Children under 12 free when accompanied by adult. For information; contact Denny Chafin at 703-855-2376, email: [email protected] or www.nvrha.com/show.htm
April 14, 21, & 28, Maryland. Tours
Follow the trail of President Lincoln’s assassin from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. to his death near Port Royal, Va. Relax and enjoy the history and scenery on this 12-hour, fully narrated bus tour. Reservation and payment required in advance. Cost: $85/person. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information please call 301-868-1121, ask for Joan.
April 20-22, Florida. Living History
Located at Camp Milton Historic Preserve, 1175 Halsema Road North in Jacksonville and hosted by the city of Jacksonville – JAXParks. C.S. & U.S. Soldiers are needed to participate. Confederate soldiers will camp and defend the reconstructed earthworks, originally constructed in March of 1864. Federal soldiers will recreate the June 1864 attack on the works. Sat. skirmish at 2 p.m., Sun. skirmish at 1 p.m. The Preserve is located on the northern portion of the original battlefield. The civilian camp is located at the interpretive center, AKA “the barn.” Members of the Golden Teacup Society will portray the lives of civilians affected by the war in and around Jacksonville. For information; military contact: [email protected], Civilian contact: www.goldteacup.com
April 21, Pennsylvania. Dedication Program
A dedication program unveiling a new storyboard will be held at the Philadelphia National Cemetery (PNC) honoring the service of the 1000 USCT and sailors who are buried there. Program begins at 11 a.m. at 6909 Limekiln Pike, Philadelphia, and will include band and choral music, USCT Reenactors, Jr. ROTC, a lecture by Charles Blockson, curator emeritus at Temple University, and a wreath laying ceremony. For information; [email protected] or call 215-885-2258
April 27-28, Louisiana. Civil War Symposium
Please join the Baton Rouge Civil War Round Table for our 2nd Annual Civil War Symposium for great food and terrific speakers. Friday reception begins at 7 p.m. with live music, cash bar and heavy hor d’eouvres. Saturday program is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with book sales and signings, Civil War related items for sale, interactive historic displays, and raffles. Buffet lunch included. Symposium location; The Tracey Center, 1800 S, Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. For more information; https://www.brcwrt.com/ symposium-details.html
April 28, Pennsylvania. Speaking Series
The National Civil War Museum will offer the fourth program in its 2018 Series of 12 free lectures to the public with “Civil War Photography: Details, Daredevil’s and Discoveries” with Garry Adelman, Civil War Trust. The focus upon the methods, formats, photographers and then-and-now techniques will inform novices and experts alike. The one hour program is free to the public and begins at 1 p.m. Regular museum admission applies for entrance to the museum galleries. For more info: www.NationalCivilWarMuseum.org
May 4-6, Florida. Reenactment
The Federal Garrison of Fort Clinch in Fernandina Beach is sponsored by the Fort Clinch State Park CSO. Union soldier, sailor and marine reenactors are needed for first person interpretation of Fort Clinch and the Army camps around Fernandina in May of 1864. Military activities will include guard duty, drill, firing demonstrations and mail call. Barracks accommodations will be available as well as period camping outside the fort. There are five beds available first come first serve in the hospital for females. Reenactors must be in proper uniform (kepi or forage cap, sack coat, trousers and brogans). Rank structure for company (officers and NCO’s) by appointment only. Breakfast and lunch served on Sat. and breakfast only on Sun. Candlelight tour for spectators after dark on Sat. Please RSVP. No reenactor fee. Located at 2601 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. For information; Tom Criscuolo: [email protected] or Rob Pfluger: [email protected]
May 4-6, Texas. Civil War Living History
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Diamond Don RV Park complete with a gunboat and cannons Historic Jefferson Railway and The Great Locomotive Chase/The Andrews Raid Friday Narrated Historical Day Tours: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturday Narrated Historical Day Tours & Naval Battle: 11 a.m., 12:30, 2:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday Narrated Historical Day Tours & Naval Battle: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. For information; 866-398-2038, www.JeffersonCivilWarDays.com
May 5, Maryland. Buffalo Soldiers: Mappers, Explorers, Park Rangers, and Protectors of the West
Trained and tested by the fires of the American Civil War, African American soldiers moved west to serve as our country expanded. Hardrick Crawford, a member of the Buffalo Soldiers, 9th and 10th Cavalry Association, discusses how these men served in the harshest conditions and with great distinction, displaying valor in every theater and earning 14 Medals of Honor during the Indian Wars. Free; arrive early; limited seating. Program starts at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Rd, Clinton, MD 20735. For information please call 301-868-1121.
May 5-6, Ohio. Civil War – WWII Show & Artillery Show
41st Annual Ohio Civil War Show & 25th Annual Artillery Show at Richland County Fairgrounds, Mansfield, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-3. Living history, cannon firing, field hospital, music, demonstrations. $7 ages 12 up. Seven buildings – One Gate Admission, Food and Handicapped Facilities, 30-Gun Artillery Show – Indoor/Outdoor, 6-Gun Battery Firing Demonstrations, Sutler’s Row, Civil War Field Hospital by the Society of Civil War Surgeons. Period Church Service Sunday Morning with Period String Music, Abe Lincoln Live Presentations, Living History Campfire by Brigade of American Revolution, 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, Period Music by Camp Chase Fife & Drums, 24rd Annual Civil War Veteran’s Historical Association Encampment and a $100 Door Prize Daily. For info: 419-8842194; www.ohiocivilwarshow.com
May 12, Pennsylvania. Civil War Era Dancing
Informal dance with instruction and recorded music. At the Village Hall, 108 West Main Street, Fairfield, PA. 7:30-10 p.m. Informal period attire or modern casual clothes. $10 per person. Sponsored by Gettysburg Civil War Dance. For information, 717-337-0748, [email protected], or www.civiliansofgettysburg.com.
May 15, Virginia. Director’s Guided Battlefield Tour
Explore the battlefield with Civil War historian and Site Director, Lt. Col. Troy D. Marshall of the Virginia Museum of the Civil War who will explain the action as it took place exactly 153 years ago. Hear accounts of the battle in the words of the soldiers who were there. The tour includes a visit to the Bushong home, the movie “Field of Lost Shoes” and the “Bloody Cedars.” The tour will last from 2-4 p.m. You may bring a camp chair if you like. Participants receive a complimentary bottle of water and light refreshments. Tour will include walking on the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and driving personal vehicles to the nearby Days Inn parking lot. This event is limited to 50 participants. Pre-registration is required. For more information call 866-515-1864 or email: [email protected]
May 18-20, Georgia. Reenactment
Hosted by the Georgia Division Civil War Reenactment Association, Inc., The Battle of Resaca is located at Chitwood Farms, Chitwood Road NE, Resaca, GA 30735. Registration by May 1: $10. After May 1: $20 (strictly enforced). Walk-ons: $20. Age limit is 12 years and older. Fri. is school day, Sat. has a reenactor blanket sale at the Social Fly. Ladies Tea at 11:30 a.m. Sunday church service and period baseball game. 11:30 a.m. cavalry competition. Battle reenactment at 2 p.m. on both days. Usual amenities available to all reenactors. For information; Dixon Grubbs: sawdusthead@ bellsouth.net, Event coordinator; [email protected]
May 18-20, Virginia. Period Firearms Competition
The North-South Skirmish Association 137th National Competition near Winchester. Over 3,000 uniformed competitors in 200 member units compete in live-fire matches with muskets, carbines, revolvers, mortars and cannon plus costume competitions and historical lectures. The largest Civil War livefire event in the country. Free admission, large sutler area, and food service. For more information visit the N-SSA web site: www.n-ssa.org.
May 19-20, New York. Artillery School
The 30th Annual Artillery School at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, N.Y. is open to all branches of service, both Federal and Confederate. Registration fee is $7. Sponsored by the National Civil War Artillery Association and Reynolds’ Battery L. For information; contact John Beatty, jrbeatty21@aol. com or call: 716-432-0456, www.reynoldsbattery.org
May 19-20, Virginia. Annual Reenactment
Come and join us for the 154th Anniversary Battle of New Market Reenactment held on our original battlefield property. One of the oldest continual reenactments in the nation. Experience Civil War soldier life as you visit on-going demonstrations and living history presentations prior to and after the battle each day. Walk in history’s footsteps as you explore the sights and sounds of the Civil War with artillery, cavalry, musket firing, camp life, medical corps, and much more. Enjoy treats from a variety of food vendors and shop for souvenirs on Sutler Row. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission Fee: $10 for ages 10 and older, children ages 9 and under are free. Advance tickets are available by phone. For more information; 866-515-1864.
May 26-27, Pennsylvania – Living History
Encampments include infantry units, loading and firing demonstrations and much more! Museum visitors will see demonstrations of Civil War muskets and rifles being fired. Guests are encouraged to visit the camps and ask living historians questions about their attire, food rations and daily life. Saturday demonstrations are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Living History encampments outside are free to the public. Regular museum admission applies for entrance to the museum galleries. For more information: www.NationalCivilWarMuseum.org
Encampments include infantry units, loading and firing demonstrations and much more! Visitors are encouraged to visit the camps and ask living historians questions about their attire, food rations and daily life. Firing demonstrations each day. Saturday demonstrations are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3pm and Sunday at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Living History encampments outside are free to the public. Regular admission applies for entrance to the museum galleries. For information: www.NationalCivilWarMuseum.org
May 26-27, Pennsylvania. Military Timeline Living History
Reenactment units and individuals along with displays from the major American conflicts from the Revolution, the Civil War, our part in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and through the conflicts in the Middle East. Sponsored by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association. Located at the Historic Daniel Lady Farm, 1002 Hanover Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Free Parking. Admission: Adults $10, children 15 and under are free. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat. & Sun. For info: www.gbpa.org, email: [email protected].
May 27, Pennsylvania. Annual Memorial Day
Recreating the Original G.A.R. Decoration Day Service of 1868: The traditional Decoration Day service of the Grand Army Meade Post #1 will be held at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia on Sunday at 12 p.m. After the ceremony we will gather at the grave of General Meade, hero of Gettysburg to perform the traditional service to honor all veterans who fell defending the Nation. Historical groups, veterans, and citizens, color guards, music and period civilians are encouraged to participate. For information; 215-228-8200
May 31-June 3, West Virginia. Reenactment
Activity filled weekend includes Horse and Carriage Parade and Grand Parade, Blue & Gray Community Choir Concert, tours of the 1903 built Barbour County Courthouse, visits to both Union and Confederate camp sites, visit from Civil War era historical character, walking history day, antique train display, craft park, food vendors, 5k race, kayak and stand up paddle board races on the Tygart River, live entertainment on the Courthouse Square Gazebo, pie contest, talent show, ladies tea, Civil War Ball, little soldiers battle, night time skirmish, reenactment of the First Land Battle of the Civil War. Reunion activities begin Thursday, May 31 at 6 p.m. and run Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. concluding with June 3’s Battle of Philippi at 2 p.m. For information; Ed Larry, 304-457-3773 or [email protected]; www.blueandgrayreunion.org
June 1-3, Pennsylvania. Women’s Seminar and Mentoring Weekend
“Women’s Contributions & Challenges; a Mentoring Weekend,” is for the experienced female reenactor, whether military or civilian, someone interested in getting into the hobby, or just for learning’s sake. Information on basic clothing to the elaborate along with an opportunity to experience reenactor camping. Available tents set up outside living history area as dormitories for attendees. Sponsored by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association. Located at the Historic Daniel Lady Farm, 1002 Hanover Street, Gettysburg, PA. Free Parking. 1 p.m. Friday – 4 p.m. Sunday. $15 pre-registration required. Saturday night dinner provided by Rebecca Lady Society. For info: www.gbpa. org, email: [email protected].
June 1-3, New Jersey. Living History and Skirmish.
Crossroads to Gettysburg Living History and Skirmish will be held at the Historic Village of Allaire at the Allaire State Park, Farmingdale, N.J. Hosted by the N.J. Civil War Heritage Association. The troops follow the trek across the Mason-Dixon Line prior to the Battle of Gettysburg. The Union regiments that are being portraying are the 14th Brooklyn (84th NYSV), 20th NYSM (80th NYSV), 124th NYSV, 147th NYSV, 7th NJV, 12th NJV, 13th NJV, 14th NJV, 20th ME & 142nd PVI. The Confederate side will represented by the 5th Alabama Battalion, led by Chris Anders. Susanna Kocher Vaughan is serving as the civilian coordinator. The event will feature both campaign and garrison camping, with all rules and regulations enforced. Early registration through the company commanders, limited to 400 participants. For information; [email protected]; www.njcivilwar.com
June 2-3, Ohio. Civil War Muster
Auglaize Village & Farm Museum located at 12296 Krouse Road Defiance, OH 43512 Wood, water, straw, porta-johns provided. Fri., June 1 set-up. Sat. 10-5. Sun. 10-4. Sutler fees and camp fees waived for our first year. Seeking Infantry, artillery, cavalry, medical, musicians, civilians, sutlers and any Civil War impressions related to the culture of the period, North and South. Daily skirmishes. Includes several Victorian era buildings in the village which can be utilized. The village, a functioning railroad, open terrain and wooded terrain provide many scenario options for unit commanders to develop. Combatants must be attached to a registered unit. For Information; Mike Judson, [email protected], 574-536-9851 or Cheryl Daniel, ravensroost@williams-net. com, 419-551-1134.
June 2-3, Pennsylvania - Living History
June 2-3. Pennsylvania. Living History
Reenactors and living historians are invited to participate in Historic Pennypacker Mills’ annual 2-day Civil War event located at 5 Hadleman Road, Schwenksville, Pa. Daily battles, artillery demonstrations, military and civilian impressions and demonstrations. Free water, ice, firewood, straw and dessert on Saturday evening. Food vendor onsite. Sutler’s fee $25. Artillery powder allowance. Preregistration for reenactors, $2/person before May 1, afterwards, fee is $10 per person. For information: 610-287-9349.
June 2-3, Virginia. 21st Reenactment of “The Action at Wilson’s Wharf”
This USCT victory comes to life at Fort Pocahontas on the James River. Open to public 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday. Battle reenactment at 1 p.m. both days. Cost is $10/adults, $8/students. Group rates available upon inquiry. 13150 Sturgeon Point Rd., Charles City, VA 23030. For information; 804-829-9722 or www. fortpocahontas.org,
June 9, Georgia. Camp McDonald Day
Join us for the Fourth Annual Camp McDonald Day in Kennesaw, Ga. for a day of living history demonstrations, artillery firing, tours of the camp site and more. Free admission. For more information; www.civilwarhistorian.net
June 30 & July 1, Pennsylvania. Artifact and Collectibles Show
The 45th GBPA Civil War Artifact and Collectibles Show will continue its reputation as one of the foremost shows in the nation. A major annual fundraiser for the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association, the show is expected to again feature more than 200 vendors and better than 300 tables of artifacts, swords, firearms, correspondence, books, photographs, documents and much more. Located at the Eisenhower Hotel & Conference Center’s Allstar Expo Complex, 2634 Emmitsburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Free Parking. Admission: $8 (Children 12 and under free if accompanied by an adult). Vendors contact: [email protected]. For info: www.Civilwardb.com, email: [email protected].
July 5-8, Pennsylvania. Reenactment
The 155th Gettysburg National Battle Anniversary Reenactment will be held at 1085 Table Rock Road, Gettysburg. Spectator tickets are on sale now. Adult prices: 1-day: $35; 2-day: $60; 3-day: $75; 4-day: $90, Youth prices: 1-day: $16; 2-day: $25; 3-day: $33 4-day: $40. Bleacher Seating (optional) Additional $15 per person/day. Registration for reenactors and living history participants is available on line. For more information, 800-514-3849 or www. gettysburgreenactment.com
Before making plans to attend an event contact the event host.
