Events Section

Civil War Events — August 2018

Originally published August 2018 · pp. 42–45

July 21, Maryland. The Civil War Through an Artist’s Eyes

While serving with the Army of the Potomac, artist Charles Wellington Reed recorded his observations and experiences of the Civil War through 700+ illustrations. Michelle Krowl from the Library of Congress will discuss Reed and his life through a virtual display of his Civil War art. Free; arrive early; limited seating. Program starts at 4 p.m. doors open at 3:30 p.m. For additional information please call 301-868-1121.

July 23-27, Virginia. Colonel Shipp’s Leadership Institute

Young men and women ages 13-17 are invited to participate in Col. Shipp’s Leadership Institute. Explore life as a VMI Cadet in the 19th century. Participate in team-building games and exercises. Study the Battle of New Market from a Cadet’s point of view. Walk in history’s footsteps as you discover stories of courage, honor, and sacrifice! $100 for the program. 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. daily. Register by calling 866-5151864 or visit www.vmi.edu/newmarket.

July 24-29, Pennsylvania. Roads to Gettysburg: Brandy Station and Second Winchester

Featuring Eric Wittenberg, J.D. Petruzzi, Jerry Holsworth, Steve French, Jeffrey Wert, & others. We will follow the Blue and Gray on their roads to Gettysburg. Tour the decisive battle ground of Brandy Station, the largest cavalry action in North America, where J.E.B. Stuart and his horsemen battled the Yankees in the largest cavalry action in North America. Also touring the newly restored Second Winchester battlefield where Confederates opened the gates of the great Valley for the invasion of Pennsylvania. Bonus tours will include Aldie, Upperville, Middleburg, and Mosby’s Confederacy led by Kevin Pawlak. For information; 717-264-7101 or visit CivilWarSeminars.org.

July 27, Virginia. The Forgotten Story of the Bowman-Hite Farmstead

Join Ranger Kyle Rothemich as he explores the history of the Bowman-Hite Farmstead. This farmstead stands as a unique example of a 19th century Shenandoah Valley agricultural land-scape. Learn about the families who called this place home, structures that shaped their experiences and soldiers who marched by during the Battle of Cedar Creek at 7 p.m. Meet at Belle Grove (336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, Va.) for an introduction. Visitors will then car caravan over to the Bowman-Hite farm.

Aug. 11-12, Georgia. Civil War and Antique Firearms Show and Sell

Sponsored by the North Georgia Relic Hunters. Admission $6. Children under 10 are free. Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-3. Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta, Ga. 30060. For more info visit www.ngrha.com.

Aug. 17, Virginia. Lecture

The Battle of Cedar Creek left in its wake over 8,600 Americans killed, wounded and captured; the second bloodiest engagement fought in the Shenandoah Valley. Join Ranger James Horn as he examines the treatment of wounded and the general practice of medicine during the Civil War. This special program includes living history demonstrations presented by staff of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Chapel, which was used as a hospital by the Union army following the battle. Meet at St. Thomas Chapel (7854 Church Street, Middletown, Va.).

Aug. 18, Maryland. 19th Century Hands-On Needlework (needlepoint) Workshop

During the mid-19th century, Berlin Wool Work was considered Queen Victoria’s favorite needlework and was named after the thread used to create it. Carolann Schmitt will teach participants about the history of the art, the yarn and patterns used to create a plethora of decorative and fashion accessories. All supplies will be provided. Advanced reservations and payment required. Cost: $70/person (includes kit). Program hours are 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For additional information; 301-868-1121, ask for Susan.

Aug. 18, Virginia. Jacob Bushong’s Birthday Party

Join the living historians at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War as we celebrate the birthday of Jacob Bushong whose home stood at the center of the fighting during the Battle of New Market. Explore 19th-century traditions and enjoy cake and ice cream, games, music, dancing and lots of fun. Walk in history’s footsteps and discover what home life was like during the years before Civil War rocked the nation. Hours are 11 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information; 866-515-1864.

Aug. 18-19, Pennsylvania. Living History

Encampments include infantry units, loading and firing demonstrations and much more! Museum visitors will see the flash and smell the smoke of Civil War muskets and rifles. Guests are encouraged to visit the camps and ask living historians questions about their attire, food rations and daily life. 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.com

Aug. 25-26, Pennsylvania. Living History

Gettysburg: The Medical Aftermath located at the Historic Daniel Lady Farm. Program will explore what the people of Gettysburg experienced in the weeks following the 1863 battle in coping with the wounded, dying and dead. A Confederate field hospital program will focus on the medical advancements made during the war and the many firsts that happened at the Camp Letterman General Hospital just over the hill from the Farm. A number of these innovations are still used in medicine today. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days in association with the U.S. American Medical Corps. For information; [email protected].

Sept. 8, 15, 22, Maryland. John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tours

Follow the trail of President Lincoln’s assassin from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. to his death near Port Royal, Virginia. 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.–7 p.m. For additional information; 301-868-1121, ask for Joan.

Sept. 15-16, Pennsylvania. Medical Living History

“Gettysburg: The Medical Aftermath,” explores what the people of Gettysburg experienced in the days and weeks following the 1863 battle in coping with the wounded, dying and dead. Held at the Historic Daniel Lady Farm, a Confederate field hospital, the focus will be on the medical advancements made during the war and the many firsts that happened at Gettysburg. A number of these innovations are still used in medicine today. Sponsored by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association. Historic Daniel Lady Farm, 1002 Hanover Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Free Parking. A family friendly event. Admission: Adults $10, children 15 and under are free. 10–4 Sat. & Sun. For info: www.gbpa.org, email: [email protected].

Sept. 22, Pennsylvania. Motorcycle Ride for Monument Preservation

18th Annual Ride for the Monuments sponsored by the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.). Supports the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Trust for maintenance and upkeep of more than 140 monuments and markers on battlefield that memorialize the actions of Pennsylvania troops. Portion also benefits upkeep of the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association’s Historic Daniel Lady Farm. Registration for trek from Harrisburg to Gettysburg begins at 11 a.m. outside the State Capitol Building. Welcoming ceremony 12:15 p.m. Ride departure 1 p.m. Open to all interested riders. Held rain or shine. Registration $10. For info: www.gbpa.org or www.abatepa. org, email: [email protected].

Sept. 22–23, Pennsylvania. Cavalry Reenactment

The Brice’s Crossroads Attack from the Civil War’s Western Theatre will be a reenactment of the Mississippi battle in June of 1864 when a contingent of Confederate cavalry under Gen. Nathan Bedford Forest outflanked a superior Union force. 45 mounted Southern reenactors committed to the even and 25 dismounted troopers. Enlisted Union cavalry is currently at 20, with 20 dismounted troopers and about 35 infantry. 45 living history participants and speakers will enhance the weekend for visitors. Admission is $10 for people 16 and older includes a tour of the Daniel Lady farmhouse and barn.. Children 15 and under are free. The reenactor registration fee of $15 includes a dinner for reenactors Saturday evening. For more information, contact [email protected].

Oct. 5-7, Virginia. Period Firearms Competition

The North-South Skirmish Association 138th 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 live-fire 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.

Oct. 6, Maryland. Bourbon: Sweet, Spicy, and Decadent

In the 1850s–60s, the Surratt Tavern provided local patrons with a variety of distilled beverages. Join us as we tempt you with a scrumptious meal and delight in the world of bourbon distilling. Experience the different flavors, aromas and colors of various local bourbons as we taste our way through this spirited evening. Advance registration required. Must be 21 years of age. Program starts at 4 p.m. For additional information; 301-868-1121, ask for Susan.

Oct. 10-14, Pennsylvania. Mr. Lincoln’s City & John Wilkes Booth Escape Tour

Tours of Mr. Lincoln’s Washington, John Wilkes Booth Escape Route and historic Frederick, Maryland with Ed Steers and other leading Lincoln scholars. Sites include Ford’s theatre, Lincoln Memorial, Old Soldiers’ Home where Lincoln visited, Surratt Tavern, Dr. Mudd House, and more. Bonus tours will include “In the Footsteps of the Presidents” seeing unique places visited by Abraham Lincoln, James Buchanan, LBJ, and Dwight D. Eisenhower at Gettysburg, Antietam, and the Cumberland Valley. For information; 717-264-7101 or visit CivilWarSeminars.org.

Oct. 12-14. Kentucky. Civil War Days Reenactment

Battle reenactments, living history, and encampments at Columbus-Belmont State Park. Friday is “Education Day”. Schools, scouts, groups, & clubs are encouraged to schedule field trips. Narrated battles will be held at 2 p.m. both Sat. and Sun. featuring skilled reenactors. Ghost Walk Friday night, Civil War Ball on Saturday. Sunday services led by Rev. Alan Farley. Sutlers and food vendors will be on site. Cavalry and artillery by invitation, all infantry welcome. Straw, wood, powder ration, and a meal will be provided to reenactors. No registration fee or admission charge. For information; 270-677-2327 or email [email protected].

Oct. 19-21. Washington, D.C. 2018 Image of War Seminar

Presented by the Center for Civil War Photography, at this 18th annual seminar attendees will get a behind the scenes look at the Library of Congress, a special wet plate experience, visit The Mall, U.S. Capitol, Lafayette Square, Grand Review and much more. Speakers will include Garry Adelman, Mike Gorman and Bob Zeller. CCWP member price is $310, non-member price is $345. For more information; http://civilwarphotography.org/ccwp/index.php/2018image-of-war-seminar.

Oct. 20-21, Virginia. Reenactment

154th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek will be held at 8437 Valley Pike, Middletown, Va., hosted by the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation. CCBF has hosted this event each year since 1990, making our 2018 event the 29th in the order of events. As a non-profit organization with limited funding, this is our major fundraising effort to continue our mission to preserve the battlefield. The reenactment community acknowledges our efforts and supports us in our pursuits of preservation. The event, held on the actual battlefield of Oct. 19, 1864, has grown to be the largest annual event in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Fall in the beautiful Shenandoh Valley, the cooler temperatures after the long hot summer, the setting, the camaraderie keep bringing reenactors back year after year. Plus, the fact that is on the actual battlefield and the cause that all proceeds go towards its preservation have helped make Cedar Creek a popular event for all. For more information; www.ccbf.us, [email protected] or 540-869-2064.

Oct. 27-28, Celebration and Skirmish

Visit Alabama’s oldest active working farm located approximately 25 minutes south on Hwy. 280 from Birmingham in Harpersville. All branches and sutlers are invited to the old Baker Farm for the skirmish and cotton-picking celebration. Firewood, hay, water and powder for artillery provided. For information; [email protected].

Oct. 27, Virginia. Lantern Tours

Step back in time with our annual lantern tour program, “Spirits of New Market,” as we celebrate the indomitable spirit of those whose lives were impacted by the Battle of New Market. You’ll follow your guide on a lantern-lit, seven station tour of the Battlefield encountering living historians portraying the soldiers, townsfolk, and Bushong family. While interacting with the characters, you’ll be able to lend aid to the wounded, ask questions and experience the Battle-field in a whole new way. $10 per adult, ages 13 and older. $5 for ages 6-12, children 5 and under are free. Each walking tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Tickets go on sale at 6:30 p.m. on the 27th. Tours begin at 7 p.m. and depart from the Virginia Museum of the Civil War every 15 minutes. For more information; 866-515-1864.

Oct. 27, West Virginia. Seminar & Tour

Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute fall semester seminar and tour—“A Peculiarly Undesirable Place:” Martinsburg’s Civil War with Prof. Jonathan A. Noyalas 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $25 registration fee includes morning lecture and lunch at Holiday Inn, Martinsburg, and afternoon caravan tour of Martinsburg’s Civil War sites. Space is limited. For information; www.su.edu/MCWI, email [email protected] or call 540-665-4501.