Events Section
Events Section — January 2019
Originally published January 2019 · pp. 43–46
Jan. 18-20, Florida. Reenactment Before making plans to attend any event contact the event host. Deadlines for Advertising, Editorial or Events Submissions is the 20th of each month. We strive to add all events submitted to us but do not guarantee that your event will be published. There is a 100 word maximum for each event. Email events to: [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 moderately 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 complimentary 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, Penn. For information; 215-289-6484, www.garmuslib.org.
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 Assoc., Inc. and North Pinellas County Scout Sertoma Club, includes a battle reenactment with over 1,500 reenactors, and sutlers is a re-creation of a Civil War battle that happened in Hernando County in July of 1864. For information; 352-799-0129.
Maryland State Fairgrounds
Living history for local schools. Come and share your knowledge of the Civil War with Columbia and Montour County school children. Dinner provided for all participants.
Living history all day.
Jan. 20, Pennsylvania. General Meade Society Champagne Brunch & Awards Ceremony
Join the Gen. Meade Society of Philadelphia for its annual DeLuxe Champagne Brunch & Awards Ceremony, presenting the Society ‘Award of Merit’ Cannstatter Volksfest Verein at 9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia, Pa. 19114. For information and reservations; 215-848-7753 or gedwinmc@msn. com
Friday:
Feb. 2-3, Georgia. Civil War Show & Sale
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].
Saturday
Feb. 12, Pennsylvania. Lincoln Birthday Celebration Parade and Ceremonies
Sponsored by the Union League of Philadelphia. Complimentary parking for
St. only. There will be a lunch for the participants at 12 noon. After the parade participants are invited to return to the Union League for refreshments and entertainment. For information; [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.
Feb. 24-25, South Carolina. Reenactment
See history come alive with cannon, cavalry horses and living history experts. Reenactments, authentic 19th-century military encampments, living history presentations, civilian portrayals, reproductions of medical facilities, etc. Adults: $12, 6-12: $6, 5 and under: Free. For information; www.battleofaiken.org.
March 8-10, Florida. Civil War Reenactment
Join us for the Raid of Fort Pierce. Battles are at 1:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Ladies’ Tea is at 11 a.m., Sat. and a Grand Bon Fire Frolic will be held in the Confederate Camp at 7:30 p.m. Sat. If you play a musical instrument, feel free to bring it to the Frolic. Cavalry needed for school day, and artillery is welcome. The Ladies of the Order of Confederate Rose will be cooking dinner for school day participants on Fri. evening, breakfast on Sat. and Sun., and supper on Sat. evening. Bounty for the first Union and Confederate artillery pieces registered. Firewood, water, and hay provided. Persona or officer impressions to speak to school kids are welcome and appreciated. Reenactor Fee: None – Donations welcome. For directions and information; Jim O’Dell at 772- 318-8258 or [email protected].
March 23, Pennsylvania. Annual Grand Army Museum Preservation Luncheon
9130 Academy Rd. Philadelphia, Pa. “Lincoln’s Gamble: The Tumultuous Six Months that Gave America the Emancipation Proclamation and Changed the Course of the Civil War” by Historian Todd Brewster. For information; [email protected]; or 215-289-6484
The Northern Virginia Relic Hunters Assoc. will present its 47th annual Civil War show at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. The show will feature Civil War and World Wars I & II era relics, memorabilia along with a wide selection of antique guns and swords. Hours are 12 to 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For information; contact Denny Chafin, 703-855-2376 or [email protected].
March 29-30, Virginia. Civil War Show and Sale
March 30, Pennsylvania. Civil War Preservation Ball
Pennsylvania State Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg, Pa. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.. Surrounded by the majesty and history of the Capitol Rotunda, the 16th Annual Civil War Preservation Ball benefits the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Trust. The trust helps fund repairs and maintenance of the more than 140 markers and monuments that honor Keystone State regiments and individuals on the Gettysburg battlefield. Sponsored by the Civil War Dance Foundation, the ball has raised nearly $100,000 to preserve the Pennsylvania monuments. Admission $35 single, $65 couple. For more information, visit www.CivilWarDance.org. Email: [email protected].
March 30-31, Tennessee. Civil War Show
52nd Mid-South Civil War and Military Show at the Agricenter Showplace Arena located at 105 S. Germantown Pkwy., Memphis. For info. Sandy Parent at 901-962-7005, Don Harrison at 901-832-4705 or [email protected].
April 6-7, Mississippi. Civil War Show
The 10th Annual Corinth Civil War Relic Show and Sale sponsored by the Col. W.P. Rogers, SCV Camp #321 will be held at the Crossroads Museum. Located at 2800 S. Harper Road exit on Hwy 45, just 1 mile south of Hwy 72 in Corinth, Miss., this show is expanded, larger and better than ever before. Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information; Dennis Brown, 662-212-4621/[email protected], Buddy Ellis, 662-665-1419/bellis@1960@ comcast.net or visit www.battleofcorinth.com.
April 6, Alabama. American Battlefield Trust - Park Day at Fort Gaines
This annual event brings history enthusiasts together in an effort to help keep our nation’s heritage not only preserved but pristine. Volunteers will help preserve this important monument to honor the brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed in the American Civil War. Pre-register at the Fort Gaines is located at 51 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, AL 36528, via facebook (fb.com/fort Gaines) or call 251-861-6992.
April 6, Virginia. Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute in Winchester will host its annual spring conference from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “A House Divided…”: Dissent, Disagreement, and Subversion During the Civil War Era. Conference will focus on such topics as divisions within Jefferson Davis’ cabinet, Copperheads, Unionists in the Shenandoah Valley, and the ways John Brown’s raid created divisiveness. Presentations by historians Dennis Frye (Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, retired), Paul Quigley (Virginia Tech), Jennifer Weber (University of Kansas), and Jonathan Noyalas (Shenandoah University). Registration fee of $50 ($25 for students with valid id) covers all presentations and lunch. For information or to register visit www. su.edu/MCWI, call 540-545-7293, or email [email protected].
April 14, Pennsylvania. Annual Symposium
General George G. Meade - Life & Legacy will be held at the Conservatory at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd. For information; Jerry McCormick 215-848-7753; [email protected].
April 27-28, Alabama. Thunder on the Bay 2019
Come celebrate the upcoming 155th Battle of Mobile Bay Sponsored by the 6th Alabama Cavalry and the Alabama Division of Reenactors. Event will be held at Fort Gaines Historic Site, 51 Bienvile Blvd, Dauphin Island, Alabama
- Battle will be held Sat. at 2 p.m. and a surrender ceremony at 3 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a 1 p.m. tactical. For information; 251-861-6992, via facebook (fb.com/fort Gaines) or call 251-861-6992.
April 27, Illinois. Civil War Show and Sale
Zurko Promotions presents The National Civil War Collectors Spring Show and Sale which will be held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $9 – includes admission to the CADA Collector Arms Dealers Assoc. Show. For information; www. chicagocivilwarshow.com.
Zurko Promotions presents The National Civil War Collectors Fall Show and Sale which will be held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $9 – includes admission to the CADA Collector Arms Dealers Assoc. Show. For information; www.chicagocivilwarshow.com.
May 1-4, Maryland. 6th Annual National Ed Bearss Symposium on Military Leadership & Combat
Featuring Ted Alexander, Steve Bockmiller, Dr. Richard Sommers, Martin West & others based in Chambersburg, Pa. Special guest Edwin C. Bearss will also join us. Exploring American military history! Tours of the following: Civil War sites in southern Pennsylvania including Monterey Pass; military history sites in Washington County, Maryland including the Hagerstown Aviation Museum; the Forbes Campaign of 1758 featuring stops at Fort Ligonier, Bushy Run Battlefield and more. Talks also given by the historians listed above. The full itinerary & pricing available on www. CivilWarSeminars.org.
May 4-5, Ohio. Civil War Show and Sale
42nd 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 Sun. 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, 25th Annual Civil War Veteran’s Historical Association Encampment. For additional information; call 419-884-2194; or visit the website www. ohiocivilwarshow.com.
May 17-19, Georgia. Reenactment
The 155th Anniversary “Battle of Resaca” reenactment will be held on over 650 acres of the original battlefield. This event will have main camps located within the original US and CS lines. Camping allowed in or near the breastworks. Amenities include straw, hay and firewood; food and ice on site. The planned activities include main battles both days at 2 p.m., period dance, medical demo’s, cavalry competition, ladies’ tea, civilian refugee camp, period church services and a memorial service at the Confederate cemetery. Handicapped parking is available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the preservation efforts of the Friends of Resaca Battlefield, Inc. A $150 bounty will be paid to the first fourteen 57-inch cannon and crews registered by May 1st. Reenactor registration fee is $10 due by May 1. For more information, www.georgiadivision.org or Battle of Resaca, P.O. Box 0919, Resaca, GA 30735-0919.
May 17-19, Virginia. Period Firearms Competition
The North-South Skirmish Association 139th 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 information; www.n-ssa.org.
The North-South Skirmish Association 140th 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.
May 26, Pennsylvania. Annual Memorial Day Observed at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery
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 recreated at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia at 12 noon. For information; 215-228-8200.
June 1-2, Pennsylvania. Lehigh Valley Civil War Days
The 11th Camp Geiger Reenactment will be held at Whitehall Pkwy., Whitehall, Pa. There will be a battle reenactment each day. This will include fighting in trenches and a tactical. Living History Street. Medical demos, historical personages, children’s activities and more. Period music and speakers each day. Sat. evening period dance. Sutlers and food vendor will be on site to serve reenactors and spectators. Water & wood is provided. Ice & straw available for small fee. Sutlers by invitation only. Registration fees - $10 until May 15, $15 after May 15. Sutler fees - $50 until April 15, $75 Apr. 15 – May 15. No sutler registration after May 15. For information and registration forms visit our website at www.friendsofcampgeiger.webs.com.
June 1-2, Pennsylvania. Civil War Event at Pennypacker Mills
Daily battle, artillery demonstrations, military encampments, Civilian Street demos, performance on Sat. by the 28th PA Regimental Brass Band, music & songs on Sun. by Matthew Dodd. Herb Kaufman will speak on Civil War medicine. Mansion tours, museum shop and food vendor onsite. Free to the public. $2/person until May 1. $10/ person after May 1. Under 16, Free. Sutlers’ fee $25.00. Free firewood, water, straw & cake on Sat. For information 610-287-9349. Registration forms at www.ppmcivilwar.org.
June 8-9, Mississippi. Civil War Relic Show
Brandon’s 5th Interactive Civil War Relic Show sponsored by SCV Camp #265 will be held at City Hall located at 1000 Municipal Drive, Brandon. For information; contact Tim Cupit at 769-234-2966 or [email protected].
June 29-30, Pennsylvania. Civil War Show
Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Eisenhower Hotel & Conference Center Allstar Expo Complex, 2638 Emmitsburg Road, Gettysburg. The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association’s Artifact and Collector’s Show features more than 200 vendors and over 300 tables of artifacts, swords, firearms, correspondence, books, photographs, documents and much more. Daily admission: Adults: $8. Children 12 and under free. Vendors contact: [email protected] or call 717-334-2350. For more information visit www.uniondb.com or www.gbpa.org. Email: [email protected].
July 23-28, Maryland. Conference, Antietam: The Bloodiest Day
Featuring Ted Alexander, Scott Hartwig, Tom Clemens, Carol Reardon, Dennis Frye, John Michael Priest, Steve Recker, John Schildt and others based in Hagerstown, Md. Join us for the largest Antietam conference ever held led by expert historians! Detailed battlefield walks and specialized tours of the campaign such as Crampton’s Gap, Harpers Ferry, the C&O Canal during wartime, the Battle of Shepherdstown and more. Talks also given by the historians listed above. The full itinerary and pricing available on www.CivilWarSeminars.org.
July 27-28, Tennessee. Civil War Show and Sale
American Digger Events is hosting the first annual Chattanooga Civil War Show & Sale, to be held at Camp Jordan Arena in East Ridge. The event will be open to the public Saturday, 9-5 and Sunday, 9-3. Admission is $10 for adults, with kids under 12 free (if accompanied by an adult). More about this event can be found at americandigger.com/ american-digger-events, or by calling 770-362-8671. Over 200 tables of Civil War relics (including muskets and swords), WWI and WWII items, Native American artifacts, old coins and newspapers, artwork, metal detectors, books, and more will be on display to the public, with many items available for purchase. Buyers will also be set up at this event and many offer free appraisals of items brought in by the public.
Aug. 3, Alabama. 155th Battle of Mobile Bay Commemorative Day
The well-preserved ramparts of Fort Gaines have guarded the entrance to Mobile Bay for more than 160 years. Now a fascinating historic site, the Fort stands at the eastern tip of Dauphin Island where it commands panoramic views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The event highlights Fort Gaines integral role in the Battle of Mobile Bay. The cannon will be fired every forty-five minutes in honor of the soldiers that fought in this pivotal battle. A living history day for the whole family. Demonstrations will be held all day in the Fort’s Blacksmith Shop. Fort Gaines Historic Site, 51 Bienvile Blvd, Dauphin Island, Ala. 36528. For information; 251-861-6992, via facebook (fb.com/ fort Gaines) or call 251-861-6992.
Aug. 10-11, Georgia. Civil War Show and Sale
41st Annual show in Marietta at the Cobb County Civic Center hosted by the North Ga. Relic Hunters. $6 for adults; veterans and kids free. Cobb County Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, S.E., Marietta, Georgia 30060. Hours are 9-5 Saturday, 9-3 Sunday. For more information contact NGRHA, Attn.: Show Chairman, P.O. Box 503, Marietta, GA 30061, email: [email protected]. Visit www.NGRHA.com.
Sept. 21-22, Pennsylvania. Fall Farm Skirmish
Historic Daniel Lady Farm, 1008 Hanover St. Gettysburg, Pa. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. In honor of its 60th Anniversary, the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association will host a live action and living history program that will include Confederate and Union encampments and skirmishing on the hallowed ground of the Historic Daniel Lady Farm in Gettysburg. Over 500 reenactors will present the Battle of Antietam’s “Bloody Lane” along with a cavalry reenactment and other clashes during the two-day program. Adults: $15 for a one-day pass and $25 for a two-day pass. Children 15 and under free. Includes tours of the historic Daniel Lady farmhouse and barn. For information, www.gbpa.org. Email: [email protected].
Sept. 28, Pennsylvania. Ride for Monument Preservation
Soldier’s Grove, Pennsylvania Capitol Building East Wing. The 19th Annual Ride for the Monuments from Harrisburg to Gettysburg is sponsored by the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.). It supports the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Trust for maintenance and upkeep of more than 140 monuments and markers on the battlefield that memorialize the actions of Pennsylvania troops. A portion also benefits upkeep of the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association’s Historic Daniel Lady Farm. Registration begins at 11 a.m. outside the State Capitol Building’s East Wing. Welcoming ceremony: 12:15 p.m. Ride departure: 1 p.m. Open to all interested riders. Rain or shine. Registration $10. For information, www.gbpa.org and www.abatepa.org.
Sept. 29, Illinois. Civil War Show and Sale
Oct. 4-6, Virginia. Period Firearms Competition
Oct. 23-27, Pennsylvania - Guerillas, Partisans and Raiders
Featuring Martin West, Kevin Pawlak, Michael Hardy, Ted Alexander, Steve French and others based in Chambersburg, Pa. Special guest, award-winning author and historian Brian Steele Wills will also join us. We will examine irregular warfare through the ages from the Romans to present. Tours will include McCausland’s Raid, the Johnston/Gilmore Baltimore Raid, Mosby’s Confederacy and McNeil’s raids against the B&O Railroad. Talks also given by the historians listed above. The full itinerary & pricing available on www. CivilWarSeminars.org.
Oct. 26-17, Alabama. Skirmish
Alabama’s oldest active working farm, Old Baker Farm is located approximately 25 minutes south on Hwy. 280 from Birmingham in Harpersville. All branches invited. Firewood, hay, water and powder for Artillery provided. Sutlers welcome. For information; Jimmy White, [email protected], 1174 Curt Jarrett Rd., Ashville, AL 35953.
Nov. 16, Pennsylvania. Remembrance Day in Gettysburg
General Meade & his Generals and the veterans of the Battle of Gettysburg Honor/Dedication Ceremonies during the Remembrance Day Observance. Honoring all commanders and veterans of the Battle. Meet at the General Meade Equestrian Monument at 10:30 a.m. For information; Jerry McCormick, 215-848-7753 or [email protected] for info.
Nov. 16-17, Virginia. Civil War Show and Sale
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. 9-3. For information; www.MKShows.com or [email protected].
Dec. 7-8, Tennessee. Civil War Show and Sale
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 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 Mike@ MKShows.com.
Dec. 31, Pennsylvania. General Meade Birthday Celebration
Mark the annual anniversary of the birth of General George G. Meade, heroic commander of the victorious Union army at the Battle of Gettysburg. The General Meade Society of Philadelphia will celebrate at Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. at 12 p.m. Champagne toast and reception will follow. For information; 215-228-8200 Laurel Hill Cemetery.
