Events Section
Civil War Events — April 2020
Originally published April 2020 · pp. 43–45
Soldier Saturday at Fort McAllister State Park. 3894 Fort McAllister Rd., Richmond Hill. Included with fort admission. A Civil War soldier will entertain topics ranging from fort history to candlemaking. For more information; 912-727-2339, www.explore.gastateparks.org.
March 28, Pennsylvania. Tour
“An Evening with the Painting,” a behind-the-scenes tour of the Gettysburg Cyclorama. 4:45 p.m. $25/adult. For information; gettysburgfoundation.org/ exhibits-tours-events/special-events.
March 28, Virginia. Civil War History at the Virginia Museum of Civil War
Family fun, exploration and hands on activities for all ages. Learn Army drills, dance the Virginia Reel, enjoy 19th-century games and crafts and take a guided tour through the battlefield and so much more. Visit General Grant’s Store for books and souvenirs. Special event rate: $5, pre-registration open Jan. 27 through March 20 required for participation. For information; 866515-1864.
April 1, Virginia. Ranger Program
Anniversary ranger program at the Five Forks Battlefield at the contact station near Court-house and White Oak roads, Dinwiddie. 2 p.m. Free. nps. gov/pete.
April 2, Washington, DC. Lecture
“Confederate Statues and Memorialization,” at President Lincoln’s Cottage, 140 Rock Creek Church Road NW, Washington. 6 p.m. reception, 6:30 p.m. lecture, $10 for each. lincolncottage.org.
April 2-4, Georgia. GBSHHA Congress
The General Barton Stovall History & Heritage Association will be holding their 19th annual Congress in Cartersville, Georgia. The event features two days of battlefield tours, a historian night, and a banquet. Information about the Congress is at www.generalbartonandstovall.com.
April 3, Virginia. Lunch discussion
“Battle of Memphis,” at the Mariners’ Park Cafe in the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News. 12:30 p.m. Discussion is free. For information; https://www.marinersmuseum.org/battle-of-hampton-roads-day.
April 3-5, Maryland. Civil War Conference
“Lincoln Assassination Studies: Snapshots from the Big Picture,” 21st Annual Conference. Tours and lectures sponsored by the Surratt Society, in Clinton. $225, tours priced separately. For information; surrattmuseum.org.
April 4, All States. Park Day. Sponsored by the American Battlefield Trust
Annual volunteer cleanup and repair at Civil War sites across the country. For information; battlefields.org/events/ park-day.
April 4, Pennsylvania. Lecture
“Crossing the Deadlines: The Rise of Civil War Prisons as Dark Tourist Destinations,” at the Na-tional Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. 1-2 p.m. Free. For information; www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.
April 4, Virginia. Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute in Winchester
The McCormick Civil War Institute will host its 2020 Spring Conference from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. “The Civil War on the Water.” Featuring nationally recognized Civil War scholars John M. Coski, Anna Gibson Holloway, Karen Needles, Jonathan W. White and Jonathan A. 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, or call 540-6654501, or email [email protected].
April 4-5, Maryland. Living history
Civil War medical care comes to life at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, featuring the Blue and Gray Hospital Assn. Free with admission. Begins April 4 at 11 a.m. through April 5 at 4 p.m. For information; 301-695-1864, civilwarmed.org.
April 5, Pennsylvania. Symposium
Annual Meade Society History Symposium at the Conservatory at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Pa. at 12 p.m. Speakers on the topic – The War with Mexico; Training Ground of the Civil War. Contact: Jerry McCormick 215-848-7753; or [email protected].
April 8, Arkansas. Ranger program
“Emergency Medicine of the Civil War,” at the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. 3 p.m. Free. For information; arkansasstateparks.com/ parks/prairie-grove-battlefield-state-park.
April 11, Arkansas. Living history
Join park interpreters and other living historians for an exciting firing demonstration of Civil War artillery at the Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. Demonstrations at 10 and 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m. Free. arkansasstateparks.com/parks/prairie-grove-battlefield-state-park.
April 17-19, Maine. Auction
Poulin Firearms & Militaria Auctioneers presents the 2020 Spring Premier Firearms Auction. Rare Confederate revolvers, Confederate battle flags and a Colt Repro 1883 Gatling Gun Rifle are just a few of the many collectible items to be auctioned. 193 Skowhegan Road, Fairfield, ME 04937. For more information; 207-453-2114 or www.poulinauctions.com.
April 23-26, New Jersey. Company of Military Historians Meeting
The 2020 meeting, held at the Crowne Plaza-Princeton, 900 Scudders Mill Rd., Plainsboro, NJ., will begin with the welcome reception on Thursday followed by a field trip to visit Washington’s Crossing, the Old Barracks Museum and Princeton Battlefield on Friday. Nine lectures covering many periods of American military history and material culture along with a 20-table exhibit / flea market room and expanded silent auction. Register online at: https://tinyurl.com/register-4-CMH2020. For more information; [email protected], 845-754-8827.
April 24-26, Rock Island, IL. Premier Auction: Fine, Historic, & Investment Grade Firearms
Rock Island Auction Company 7819 42nd Street West, Rock Island, IL 61201, Phone: 309-797-1500 or 800-238-8022, Fax: 309-797-1655, email: [email protected], Fully Licensed Class III Auctioneer. Open to the public. More info at www.rockislandauction.com.
April 24-25. Pennsylvania. Spring Muster
The annual Friends of Gettysburg spring seminar features a Friday evening program followed by a host of Saturday morning/afternoon options including battlefield walks with Licensed Battlefield Guides and history programs with leading Civil War historians. Ends with banquet Saturday evening. For info and registration; https://cart.gettysburgfoundation.org/overview/12035.
April 24-26, North Carolina. Confederate Prison Symposium
23rd Annual Salisbury Confederate Prison Symposium sponsored by the Robert F. Hoke Chapter 78, United Daughters of the Confederacy. Event begins Fri. afternoon with 3 lectures, displays, Friendship Banquet, music, and recognition of veterans. Registration $70 per person when postmarked by April 3, $80 afterwards. $15 charge for refunds after April 10. No refunds after April 17. Mail checks to Robert F. Hoke Chapter 78, UDC, PO Box 83, Salisbury, NC 28145-0083. For information; Sue Curtis 704-637-6411, [email protected].
April 24-26, Virginia. Central Virginia Battlefields Trust’s Annual Conference
“First Days - A Focused Look at the opening days of combat at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, & Spotsylvania Battlefields” Registration and Details: https://www.cvbt.org/cvbt-annual-conference Join CVBT for a three-day event (or pick and choose which tours to attend) as we explore “the firsts” at the battlefields where we focus our preservation efforts. Historians Frank O’Reilly, Greg Mertz, Kristopher D. White, Chris Mackowski, and Chris Kolakowski will be leading tours and presentations!
Saturday
April 25, 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, Free parking. For information; www.chicagocivilwarshow.com.
April 25-26, Indiana. Sassafras Tea Festival & Civil War Living History
Sponsored by the Jennings County Historical Society. Two days of reenactments, mock battles, Blue Grey Ball, first person interpreters, night firing, working blacksmith shop and more. Open Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information; [email protected] or call 812-346-8989.
April 25-26, Maryland. Civil War Commemorative Weekend and Wreath-Laying
Come to commemorate the Black Diamond Disaster Weekend: The Forgotten more information, www.georgiadivision.org or Battle of Resaca, P.O. Box 0919, Resaca, GA 30735.
Tragedy on the Potomac. Water taxi rides to St. Clement’s Island, tours of Blackistone Lighthouse, free admission to the St. Clement’s Island Museum. 38370 Point Breeze Road, Colton’s Point, MD 20626. For information; 301-7692222; museums.stmarysmd.com; email [email protected].
May 1-2, Gettysburg. Spring Seminar
The Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides of Gettysburg will offer its Spring Seminar. “ Overlooked and Often Not Visited: Ridges, Farms, and Other Sites”, including Battle of Hunterstown, Bliss Farm, and much more. For information; 717-337-1709 or https://gettysburgtourguides.org.
May 1-3, Georgia. Auction
Preston Opportunities invites you to attend their auction and bid on over 100 Pre-1899 guns and swords, along with many other collectible items. 10% buyers premium. Located at 119 Peachtree Parkway, Byron, Ga. Exit 149 @ the big peach off I-75. For information; [email protected] or visit www.prestonopportunities.com.
Preston Opportunities invites you to attend their auction and bid on over 100 Pre-1899 guns and swords, along with many other collectible items. 10% buyers premium. Located at 119 Peachtree Parkway, Byron, Ga. Exit 149 @ the big peach off I-75. For information; [email protected] or visit www.prestonopportunities.com.
May 2, Pennsylvania. Reenactment
Join the fun at the 2nd Annual Lincoln Funeral Train reenactment commemorating the 155th Year Anniversary of the Lincoln Funeral Train crossing the Stone Gables Estate. See the only full-scale operating replica of Lincoln’s Funeral Coach in the United States. Experience cannon fire, presentations and demonstrations by reenactors and historians along with Civil War era music. Begins at 12 p.m. For information; 812-325-0374 or [email protected].
May 2-3, Ohio. Civil War Show and Sale
The 43rd Annual Show in Mansfield at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Friday dealer setup. One of the most impressive artillery living history displays you will ever see. Living history units representing Rev war through WWII. Over 750 tables. Admission is $7, kids under 12 free. For information; email: [email protected] or visit www.ohiocivilwarshow.com.
May 8-9, Pennsylvania. Living History for Local Schools
Come share your knowledge of the Civil War with Columbia and Montour school children. Unit bounties paid. Free registration. Artillery, cavalry, and sutlers welcome. Large gun show on the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds located at 620 W. 3rd Street, Bloomsburg, Pa. 17815. For info and registration; contact Eric Stahley at [email protected].
May 15-17, Georgia. Reenactment
The 156th Anniversary “Battle of Resaca” reenactment will be held on over 650 acres of the original battlefield. 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, and more. 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 cannon and crews registered by May 1st. Reenactor registration fee is $10 due by May 1. For
May 15, Virginia. Director’s Guided Battlefield Tour
Explore the battlefield with Civil War Historian and Site Director, Lt. Col. Troy D. Marshall, who will explain the action as it took place 156 years ago. Hear the accounts of battle in the words of the soldiers who were there. Tour includes a visit to the Bushong Home, the movie “Field of Lost Shoes” and the “Bloody Cedars.” Tour hours 2-4 p.m. Tour includes the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and Driving personal vehicles to nearby Days Inn. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. For more information; 866-515-1864 or email [email protected].
May 15-17, Virginia. Period Firearms Competition
The North-South Skirmish Association 141st 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.
May 16-17, Virginia. Annual Reenactment
Join us for the 156th Anniversary Battle of New Market reenactment, one of the oldest continental reenactments in the nation, on original battlefield property. Visit demonstrations and living history presentations before and after battles each day. Explore artillery cavalry, musket firing, camp life, medical corps and much more. Variety of food vendors and souvenir shops on Sutler Row. Admission $10 / 10 and older, 9 and under are free. 866-515-1864 for advance tickets.
May 22-24, Georgia. Auction
May 24, Pennsylvania. Memorial Day Observance 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 Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia at noon. For information, 215-228-8200 or [email protected] for Dr. Andy Waskie.
May 27, Pennsylvania. Auction
Join Morphy Auctions at 10 a.m. as it presents an Early Arms & Militaria auction. 2000 N. Reading Road, Denver, PA 17517. For information; 877-968-8880 or [email protected].
May 30, Georgia. Living History
Anniversary living history and civilian program at the Battle of Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site located at 4432 Mt. Tabor Church Rd., Dallas, Ga. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $6/adult. For information; explore.gastateparks.org/ info/214024?c=17413216.
May 30 & 31, Pennsylvania. Living History
Join us for this annual event recognizing the participation of 120 members of the Pennypacker family, including Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker, a Private in the 26th Pa. Emergency Militia. See soldier life and civilian demonstrations, artillery fire, troop inspections, dress parade, music and speakers. Children can participate in the Be a Soldier Kid Enlistment each day. Pennypacker mansion is open for tours. Food vendor onsite. Hours: Sat. 10- 5; Sun. 10-4. Free to the public. Reenactment units: Fee $2/person before May 1, $10/person after. Free straw, firewood, water and cake. For Information: 610-287-9349 or www.ppmcivilwar.org.
June 6-7, Virginia. 23rd Annual Reenactment – The Action at Wilson’s Wharf
Fort Pocahontas was the site of the May 24, 1864 Action in which United States Colored Troops defended the fort they built against an assault by Fitzhugh Lee’s Confederate Cavalry. Open to the public 10-4 Saturday and 10-3 Sunday: $10/adults, $8/students. Battle reenactments 1 p.m. both days; Civil War living history including family activities. For reenactors: shaded campsites on the James River, Friday officers’ social, Saturday buffet dinner provided, evening dance and artillery fire. Discounted early registration by May 29. For more info visit www.fortpocahontas.org.
July 6-10, Virginia. Civil War Camp Days
Enroll your little history buff in an economical, educational, and exciting hands-on learning opportunity in the Day Camp at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. Open to boys and girls ages 7-12. Each day will focus on a different theme. All the while teaching your kids what life was like for Confederate and Union soldiers, VMI Cadets and civilians on the home front. Play games, eat the food and drill as they did. Walk in history’s footsteps at the Civil War Day Camp. $80 for the full week. For more information or registration; 866-515-1864.
Enroll your little history buff in an economical, educational, and exciting hands-on learning opportunity in the Day Camp at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. Open to boys and girls ages 7-12. Each day will focus on a different theme. All the while teaching your kids what life was like for Confederate and Union soldiers, VMI Cadets and civilians on the home front. Play games, eat the food and drill as they did. Walk in history’s footsteps at the Civil War Day Camp. $80 for the full week. For more information or registration; 866-515-1864.
June 27-28, 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 4-5, Pennsylvania. Reenactment
The 2020 reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg will be hosted by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association and will be held at the Daniel Lady Farm. For updates visit https://www.gbpa.org/news/gbpas-daniel-lady-farm-host2020-battle-gettysburg.
July 20-24, Virginia. Civil War Camp Days
July 22-26, Georgia. Gateway to the Deep South: Chickamauga & Chattanooga
Featuring tour guide & leading authority David Powell with special guest Eric Wittenberg as we visit Bridgeport and Stevenson, AL; LaFayette, GA, Davis’s Crossroads, Chickamauga, Reed’s Bridge, Jay’s Mill, Brock Field, Kelly Field, Brotherton Field, Horseshoe Ridge, Lookout Mountain, National Cemetery, Orchard Knob, Ringgold & more! Based in Ringgold, GA. More details www.CivilWarSeminars.org or call 717-264-7101.
July 25-26, Tennessee. Civil War Show and Sale
American Digger® Magazine’s Chattanooga Civil War & Artifact Show, Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy., East Ridge, Tenn. Info: 770-362-8671 or 716-574-0465; email [email protected] or kesmas@ localnet.com.