Ball Supports Gettysburg National Military Park Preservation

Originally published January 2019 · p. 18

Ball Supports Gettysburg National Military Park Preservation GETTYSBURG, Penn.—The 30th Annual National Civil War Ball was held at the Gettysburg Eisenhower Hotel on Saturday evening, Nov. 17. This event, sponsored by the Sons of Veterans Reserve, the Military Department of the National Organization of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, is the original and official ball of Remembrance Day. The proceeds from the ball are donated to the Gettysburg National Military Park for preservation or repair of any items in the park they deem in need. This ball has raised $85,000 over the years for the Park. The Philadelphia Brigade Band, under the direction of Richard Cummines, provided the music, ranging from lively reels to romantic waltzes. The Victorian Dance Ensemble demonstrated and taught the dances throughout the evening and assisted any couples having difficulties. Larry Keener-Farley, Rebecca Kesler and Gray Peyre-Ferry served as dance masters, assisted by twenty VDE floor managers. Over 250 guests came from around the country to attend the ball. Members of Civil War hereditary groups, both Union and Confederate, military and civilian reenactors, as well as supporters of Civil War preservation joined in the festivities. Many guests said that they came because they liked the VDE’s teaching style, the band’s music, and the preservation aspect of the event. Next year’s ball will be

Over 250 guests attended the National Civil War Ball and met new people during the Chassez d’Amour Waltz that required dancers to constantly change partners during the dance. During a ceremony at the Woolson Monument, Maj. Gen. Robert Grim (right), Commander of the Sons of Veterans Reserve, presented a check to National Park Service Ranger Chris Gwinn, GNMP Chief of Interpretation. The donation for preservation was the profit from last year’s National Civil War Ball and brought the total raised by the event to $85,000. (All photos by VDE Photo) held at the Wyndham Hotel in Gettysburg on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019. For more information on Civil War Dancing, visit www.

Union and Confederate reenactors danced together, supporting the common cause of preserving history at Gettysburg National Military Park.

VDE President Annette Keener-Farley dancing with David Klinepeter, a 75 year member of the Sons of Union Veterans.

Philip Troll, the original dance master of the ball, returned for the thirtieth anniversary of the ball and danced with VDE member Rebecca Kesler.