Events Section

Civil War Events — December 2018

Originally published December 2018 · pp. 42–44

Nov. 28–Dec. 9, Maryland. An Old-Fashioned Holiday

Come celebrate the Christmas of yesteryear amid period decorations, seasonal histories, and holiday discounts in the museum’s gift shop. Regular tour admission price. No reservations required. Wed. – Fri., 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sat. & Sun., 12-4 p.m. For information; 301-868-1121

Dec. 1, Maryland. Memorial

“Memorial Illumination,” at the Antietam National Battlefield near Sharpsburg. 23,000 lumi-naries represent battle casualties. 6-11:45 p.m. Visitor center, some park roads close 3 pm. nps.gov/anti

Dec. 1. North Carolina. Christmas Living History

Fort Branch Christmas is a candlelight tour of recreated Christmas scenes. Visitors enjoy re-freshments, sharing an interest in history with the participants and caroling around the camp-fire. For info.; fortbranchcivilwarsite.com

Dec. 1, Virginia. Christmas on the Farm

Is a Merry Christmas possible? Join us at the historic Bushong Farm. Visit with our living historians and discover how a family carries on in the face of national crisis. There are games to play, stories to hear, treats to eat, songs to sing and a visit from a special Christmas visitor. Hours are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information; 866-515-1864.

Dec. 1-2, Arizona. Reenactment

“Battle of Prairie Grove,” at the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. Camps and demonstrations 9 am-5 pm Saturday, 9 am-4 pm Sunday. Battles each day at 1 pm. $5/vehicle. arkansasstateparks.com/ prairiegrovebattlefield/.

Dec. 1-2, Florida. Living history

Union Garrison, camp and demonstrations at Fort Clinch State Park, 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sun. Regular admission plus $2.50 event fee. floridastateparks.org/park-events/Fort-Clinch

Dec. 1-2, Tennessee. Civil War Show

MK Shows presents the 32nd Annual Middle Tennessee Civil War Show and Sale at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane in Franklin. The nation’s largest Civil War show, featuring 1,000 tables of antique weapons, artifacts and memorabilia from top dealers and collectors around the country and encompassing all eras of military history from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Appraisers from Antiques Roadshow are always on hand to help you identify and value your military collectibles at no cost. Hours are 9–5 on Saturday, 9–3 on Sunday, parking is free and admission is only $10/adults and children 12 and under are free. For more information; www. MKShows.com or [email protected].

Dec. 1-2, West Virginia. Living history

Captain Flagg’s US Quartermaster City, 1864: Prospects for Peace, at the Harpers Ferry Nation-al Historical Park. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free with park admission. nps.gov/hafe.

Dec. 2, Georgia. Living history

Enjoy Civil War Music at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Kennesaw. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to public. nps.gov/kemo.

Dec. 7-8, Kansas. Living History

Candlelight tours of Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott. Living history scenes from the fort’s history including “Bleeding Kansas” and Civil War. Saturday: 6:30-9 p.m., Sunday: 5-8:45 p.m. Admission: $8. For information; nps.gov/fosc

Dec. 8, Alabama. Living History

Visit Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and celebrate the 34th Annual Christmas Through the Ages. Experience a Christmas of “Days Gone by!” A living history day for the whole family. Soldiers from the 1700’s through the 1900’s and their families celebrate a non-commercial Christmas. Visiting children will have the chance to make a seashells ornament and other decorations. For information; Contact Melinda Oalmann at 251-861-6992.

Dec. 15, Florida. Living History

Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Site Park, located at 301 Howard England Way, Key West for Living History, camps and demonstrations. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free with park admission. For in-formation; floridastateparks.org/parkevents/Fort-Taylor.

Dec. 15, Georgia. Reenactment

Winter Muster at Fort McAllister State Park at Richmond Hill, near Savannah. Camps and demonstrations 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. with battle at 5 p.m. Free with park admis-sion. gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister.

Dec. 15, North Carolina. Living History and Tours

Christmas in the Piedmont! Civilian and military demonstrations, refreshments at Bennett Place State Historic Site in Durham. Living history 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free. Candlelight tours 6-9 p.m. Admission is $3. For information; bennettplacehistoricsite.com.

Dec. 15, Tennessee. Living History

Civil War Christmas for kids at the Shiloh National Military Park. Talks, decorations and a visit from St. Nick. 2 p.m. For information and registration; 731-689-5696. nps.gov/shil.

Dec. 15, Virginia, Living History

A 19th-Century Christmas at Elwood. 36380 Constitution Highway, near Locust Grove. 19th-century Santa, 9 a.m.12 noon on Sat. Music and period decorations. House open 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sat., noon - 3 p.m. Sun. Admission is free. fowb.org.

Dec. 31, Pennsylvania. 26th Annual General Meade Birthday Celebration

The General Meade Society of Philadelphia will celebrate his birthday at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia at his graveside. Military parade and ceremony will start at 12 p.m. and will proceed to Gen. Meade’s final resting place. 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. A champagne toast reception will follow along with tours of the cemetery. For information; Dr. Andy Waskie at 215-204-5452 or [email protected].

Jan. – Feb., Alabama. Wednesday Civil War Presentation Series

Join us at 2-3 p.m. each Wednesday during the months of Jan. and Feb. for our Civil War Presentation Series. A historian will provide historical information on Fort Morgan’s role in the Civil War. The presentation will be given at the presentation casemate of the fort located at 110 State Hwy. 180, in Gulf Shores, Ala. General Admission Charged. For more information; visit http:// www.fort-morgan.org.

Jan. 5-6. South Carolina. Civil War Show

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, www.americandiggerevents.com

Jan. 12, Georgia. Candlelight Hike

6 to 8 p.m. at Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. One-mile guided night hike is mod-erately difficult and goes to the Civil War era textile mill ruins of New Manchester alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Candle lanterns are provided. Children under 6 years and dogs not permitted. Admission: $5 per person plus $5 parking; cash only. 770-732-5871, http://gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek

Jan. 12, Luray, Virginia. Fourth Annual Preservation Ball

The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers invite you to the historic Mimslyn Inn, Luray, VA. Music by Marshal and Company. Social hour and refreshments at 6 p.m. Dancing 7 to 9:45 p.m. Dress in your favorite time period 1700’s to 1800’s or modern formal. $40 single - $70 couple. Price includes Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation membership and complimen-tary portrait by John and Christine Milliker. Limited number of tickets available; please contact Kirsten Kauling, [email protected] or call 540-740-4545. Ask for the $99 room rate at the Mimslyn Inn. Sponsored by the Luray Caverns and Tom and Lesley Mack.

Jan. 13, Pennsylvania. Open House

Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Museum & Library Civil War related History presentation at 1:30 p.m. Civil War Concert by the 28th Pennsylvania Regimental Brass Band. Free admission. Historic Ruan House - 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia. For information; 215-289-6484, www.garmuslib.org.

Jan 18-20, Florida. Reenactment

The 39th Annual Brooksville Raid Reenactment Weekend will take place at the Sand Hill Scout Reservation in Brooksville. The event, sponsored by the The Hernando Historical Museum As-soc., Inc. and North Pinellas County Scout Sertoma Club, includes a battle reenactment with over 1500 reenactors, and sutlers is a re-creation of a Civil War battle that happened in Her-nando County in July of l864. For information; 352-799-0129.

Feb 2-3, Georgia. Civil War Show

MK Shows presents the Chickamauga (Dalton) Civil War Show at the 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 and Sunday, 9-3. For information; www.MKShows.com, email Mike Kent at [email protected].

Feb. 15-17, Florida. Reenactment

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park will host the weekend long 43rd Annual Reenactment commemorating the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Olustee. More than 2000 living historians will give presentations of both civilian and military life during the Civil War. 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 oldfashioned 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. Ball is for participants only. For information; 877-635-3655; www.battleofolustee.org.