The 47th Annual Ohio Civil War Show
A Living Chronicle of America’s Military Past
Originally published July-August 2025 · pp. 10–13
Each spring, history comes alive in Mansfield, Ohio, as thousands gather at the Richland County Fairgrounds for a truly immersive journey into America’s military legacy. The 47th Annual Ohio Civil War Show, expanded to include World War I and World War II, once again proved why it remains one of the nation’s premier events for collectors, reenactors, and enthusiasts alike.
Celebrating Nearly Half a Century of Historical Discovery
What began as a regional gathering decades ago has grown into a national destination. Many early skeptics once believed that a show of this caliber couldn’t thrive in Ohio. Yet here we are, 47 years later, still growing strong. With over 800 tables and seven buildings filled with militaria from 1775 through 1945, this year’s show offered more than just rare artifacts. It delivered a hands-on experience that invited attendees to touch, see, and feel the past.
Thanks go to the Williams family, who once again orchestrated this massive undertaking with incredible care. Coordinating hundreds of dealers, reenactors, and educational presenters requires nearly a year of planning, and they make it look effortless.
Many of our dealers and guests return each year with new stories to share. Their testimonials say it all:
Jim Jamara – “The Best Show in the COUNTRY!
Joe Atkinson – “A GREAT Annual Show, Don’t Miss It!
Robinson’s Battery, Michigan Artillery – “Great Show as We Have Come to Expect!”
Michael Albanese – “Fantastic Show as usual!”
Francie Sorace – “We Absolutely Love the Show EVERY Year!”
Where the Past Marches Forward
Visitors don’t just walk past glass cases here they walk through history itself. Outdoor living history encampments brought the daily life of Civil War and WWII soldiers to life, complete with authentic uniforms, gear, and even fire pits glowing with the scent of wood smoke and the sound of campfire tales. Each morning began with a stirring opening ceremony featuring Civil War and Revolutionary War reenactors standing in solemn unity. It’s a scene that pairs well with coffee and goosebumps.
Inside, collectors and historians showcased extraordinary items, rare flags, weapons, uniforms, and battlefield relics, while sharing their passion and deep knowledge with attendees. As always, the cannon-firing demonstrations were a thunderous crowd-pleaser, drawing eager spectators despite the weekend’s rainy skies.
An Event for All Ages
One of the show’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect generations. Young families, seasoned collectors, and educators roamed the fairgrounds together, each discovering something new. Living history displays captivated the imagination, whether it was watching a WWII GI demonstrate a .30-caliber machine gun with blanks, or hearing President Lincoln recite the Gettysburg Address to a enthusiastic audience.
Other highlights included:
- George Washington drawing a crowd with his riveting account of the 1776 Delaware River crossing.
- Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corps and the 73rd OVI Regiment Band filling the air with period music.
- WWII’s 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron demonstrating battlefield evacuation techniques under fire.
- Brigade of the American Revolution with Rev War cannon firing
- Civil War surgeon Dr. Gill reenacting a field hospital amputation, thankfully, no one fainted this year.
Artillery and Arms Like Nowhere Else
One of the show’s most unique elements is the Artillery Exhibition, no other event in the U.S. offers such a wide array of full-scale Revolutionary War to WWII cannon, limbers, caissons, and artillery shells. A nine-cannon firing line lit up the battlefield, with fully uniformed crews offered an unforgettable living history display.
A Showcase of Learning and Passion
The display competition once again accentuated the educational aspect of the show. Twenty-five exhibitors set up curated exhibits rich with artifacts and interpretation. Among the winners:
- Best of Show: Bill Combs, “Spanish Navy in 1898,” a stunning and rare presentation that wowed both collectors and casual guests.
- Best Artillery: Ken Baumann, “WWI Trench Mortars”
- Best Educational: Karl Withrow, “Camp Chase Prison, Ohio”
- Best Arms/Equipment: Randy Setty, “Jenks Navy Guns”
- Best Photographic: Richard Wolfe, “Fourth West Virginia Infantry”
- Best World Wars: Ingrid Holzwarth “They Gave Their All–Gold Star Soldiers of WWI”
Judges Awards:
- Charles Baylis, “Tank Hunters of WWII”
- Elizabeth Topping, “Misbehaving: Soldiers and Civilians During the Civil War”
- James Koch, “Bolivar Troop 1st Miss Cav Company H.”
A Community Embraces the Past
The Ohio Show is more than an event; it’s a tradition. The Mansfield community welcomes it each year, and the economic impact is clear: hotels book out, restaurants are packed, and local businesses thrive. But more importantly, the event ensures that our shared history isn’t just preserved, it’s passed down, remembered, and appreciated.
Join Us Again in 2026
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a reenactor, a history educator, or just someone curious about the past, the Ohio Civil War Show has something for everyone. Mark your calendars now for May 2–3, 2026, and prepare to step back in time once again at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio.
Stay updated on show details by visiting us on Facebook at Ohio Civil War Show or at OhioCivilWarShow.com. For inquiries, email us at [email protected].