Events Section

Civil War Events — March 2020

Originally published March 2020 · pp. 43–45

The Battle of Aiken reenactment will take place at 1210 Powell Pond Road, Aiken. Camps and demonstrations all weekend with battles each day. $15/ adult. For information; battleofaiken.org.

March 6-7, Mississippi. Midsouth Military History and Civil War Show

The 53rd annual show and sale will be held at a new location in 2020 at I-55 & Church Rd. in Southhaven, just 15 minutes from downtown Memphis. Admission is $10, kids 12 and under free. For information; [email protected] or 901-832-4708.

March 7, Pennsylvania. Civil War Lecture

Join us for a lecture on South Mountain Communities during the Civil War, at the Shippensburg Historical Society, 52 W. King St., Shippensburg. 10 a.m. Free, donations welcome. For Information; shippensburghistoricalsociety.org

March 21, Pennsylvania. Preservation Luncheon

Author Bradley Gottfried will speak on “The Days in the Saddle: The Cavalry at Gettysburg” at the Grand Army Museum, 9130 Academy Rd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19114 For reservations or information; [email protected] or 215-289-6484.

March 21-22, North Carolina. Reenactment

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is host to the largest reenactment held in the state of North Carolina every five years. Visitors will learn about the battle that happened Mar. 19-21, 1865, which was the last major Confederate offensive in the war as Gen. Joseph Johnston fought the advancement of Gen. Sherman’s march across the South. Included are many free programs and 2 reenactments which are ticketed events. For tickets, schedule of events and more information; 910-594-0789 or https://www.johnstoncountync.org/155th-bentonville-reenactment.

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 19thcentury 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; 866-515-1864.

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 3-5, 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, 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 540-665-4501, or email [email protected].

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 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, 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!

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.

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, 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; jenninghistoricalsociety@gmail. com or call 812-346-8989.

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 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 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 more information, www. georgiadivision.org or Battle of Resaca, P.O. Box 0919, Resaca, GA 30735.

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 live-fire 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 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 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 information 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.

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-ladyfarm-host-2020-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: 770362-8671 or 716-574-0465; email [email protected] or kesmas@ localnet.com.

Aug. 15-16, Minnesota. Reenactment

“Pipestone Civil War Days,” 850 N Hiawatha Ave, Pipestone. Camps, music, talks and demonstrations 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun. Battles to be held on both afternoons. For info; pipestoneminnesota.com/cwd.

Aug. 15, Virginia. Jacob Bushong’s Birthday Party

Join our living historians as we celebrate the birthday of Jacob Bushong whose home stood at the center of the fighting during the Battle of New Market. Explore 19th-century traditions, enjoy cake and ice cream, games, music, dancing and fun from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Walk in history’s footsteps and discover what home life was like during the years before the Civil War. This event is free! For information; 866-515-1864.

Sept. 19, Pennsylvania. Living History

“Camp William Penn and Historic La Mott Day,” 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Opening ceremony at 7322 Sycamore Ave. Visit USCT and PA 53rd re-enactors’ camp and hear about Civil War medicine. Tour Museum at 1618 Willow Ave, and Community Center at 7420 Sycamore Ave, with tables and historical displays re La Mott. Lectures on about Camp William Penn and the soldiers. There will be cartridge making demos and historic impersonators. Guided walking tours and printed programs will be available. Family friendly. For information; 215 885-2258 or [email protected].

Sept. 26, Illinois. Civil War Show and Sale