Events Section

Civil War Events — October 2018

Originally published October 2018 · pp. 42–44

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 info 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 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.

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. 13-14, New Jersey. Battle of Bristol Station 1863 Reenactment and Living History

The 2nd NJ Brigade, 44th Ga. and Allentown, N.J., present the annual Civil War weekend. Free event runs concurrent with the yearly Fall Festival activities, which include food, crafts and entertainment. Excellent event for families. The encampment and battle are located adjacent to the festival. Reenacting units must provide proof of insurance and are requested to donate $5 per registered participant to pay for water, wood, etc. Sutlers cost of $25 covers both days. For information; Robert A. Bowell at 908-309-6347, or [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 Oct. 25, Massachusetts. Round Table Annual Jubilee Dinner

Olde Colony Civil War Round Table’s annual Jubilee Dinner at the Chateau located at 48 Bay Road, Norton, Mass. The featured speaker will be Tom Clemens PhD, historian, author, Professor Emeritis, tour guide. For tickets and information; Bob Hearsey, 781-828-3183.

Oct. 27-28, Alabama. 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 cottonpicking 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 lanternlit, seven station tour of the Battlefield. While interacting with the characters, ask questions and experience the Battlefield 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 540665-4501.

Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute will feature Dr. Jennifer Murray for its fall semester “Perspectives in Civil War Era History Lecture Series” on Thursday, Nov. 1. On a Great Battlefield: The History of Gettysburg National Military Park, 1863-2016.” This free public lecture will begin at 7 p.m. and be held on the campus of Shenandoah University, Henkel Hall, Hester Auditorium. For questions contact Prof. Jonathan A. Noyalas at [email protected] or 540-665-4501.

Nov. 1, Virginia. Lecture

Nov. 3, Maryland. Victorian America and The Golden Age of Magic and Spirits of the Dead

Please join professional illusionist Michael Cantori for a fascinating journey through the realm of Spiritualism and its affiliation with theatrical magic in 19th and early 20th century America. This program will offer both lecture and performance. Free; arrive early; limited seating. Program starts at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. For information; 301-868-1121.

Nov. 16, Pennsylvania. GBPA Annual Banquet

A recognition of Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association efforts during the year to carry on the legacy of Gettysburg for future generations. Remarks by historians and awards for local preservation efforts. Music from B.S.A. Venture Crew 1861, portraying the 1st Pennsylvania Reserves Volunteer Fife & Drum Corps. Evening will commence at 6 p.m. Location and ticket price TBD. For info: www.gbpa.org, email: [email protected].

Nov. 16-17, Pennsylvania. President’s Remembrance Day Ball

Now in our 16th year! Friday night is a Tartan Ball and Saturday is a Patriotic Ball all at the Hotel Gettysburg on the Square. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Dancing lasts until after midnight. “Ball Only” tickets are also available. For information; John B. Newbold: 717-4205145, [email protected], or visit www.remembrancedayball.com.

Nov. 16-18, Pennsylvania. Civil War Expo

Free admission. Hotel Gettysburg, 1 Lincoln Square. Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. – Noon. Fabric – Clothing – Jewelry – Books – Patterns – Bonnets. Civil War and More books and CD’s, James Country Mercantile patterns; Lucy’s Hairworks; Millers Millinery; Sullivan Press. Across from ballroom in rear. Parking in parking garage behind hotel. For more information: [email protected].

Nov. 16-18, Pennsylvania. Annual Symposium

The Lincoln Forum annual symposium, Wyndham Hotel, Gettysburg. Discover “Lincoln and the Civil War in Fact, Fiction and Memory.” Lectures, book signings, battlefield tour and awards presentation. For information; www.thelincolnforum.org.

Nov. 17-18, Virginia. Civil War Show

MK Shows presents the “Original Richmond” Capital of the Confederacy Civil War Show for collectors and history enthusiasts. Located at the Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Ave. Free parking. Over 350 tables. Adults $10, Children under 12 are free. Sat. 9-5 and Sun. 10-3. For information; www.MKShows.com or email [email protected]. Note: the show has been moved back to its original dates and off the Marathon weekend.

Nov. 18, Alabama. Holiday at the Fort

A tour will be given at 1 p.m. with a small arms demonstration. Special holiday decorations and gifts will be on sale at the gift shop. Refreshments served in the gift shop from 2-4 p.m.

Nov. 18, Pennsylvania. Gettysburg, the Musical

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Tickets $25. Billy Finch Productions presents Gettysburg, “the Musical” at the ‘new’ Best Western Sky Room Theatre located at 301 Steinwehr Ave. Billy Finch musically captures the story of the 3-day battle and brings new energy to the Battle of Gettysburg and the point of view of both the North & South. Frank Sinatra is General Lee, Rodney Dangerfield is General Mead, Johnny Cash is Col. Joshua Chamberlain, & Elvis is

Elvis and so much more. An adventurous and humorous history lesson which will illuminate a turning point of the Civil War as never before. For info visit www.GettysburgtheMusical.com. Reservations; call 301-933-4333 or email: [email protected]

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, 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. 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. 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].