Show News

Originally published March-April 2025 · pp. 12–13

A Chilling Start to a Fiery Event: The 37th Annual Middle Tennessee Civil War Show

The 37th Annual Middle Tennessee Civil War Show kicked off on a frosty Friday morning, December 6, as collectors and history enthusiasts braved frigid temperatures to descend on the Williamson County Ag Expo Park in Franklin, Tennessee. Dealers from across the country arrived early, gearing up to set the stage for one of the largest Civil War-themed shows in the nation. As the thermometer lingered in the teens, the chill couldn’t dampen the excitement. Bundled in jackets, gloves, and scarves, the dealers unpacked their treasures, artifacts from a bygone era, and prepared their booths. By 10 a.m., when the opening bell rang, the exhibit hall buzzed with activity. Tables quickly transformed into showcases of history, brimming with newly unearthed relics, antique firearms, uniforms, and memorabilia. Dealers, eager as always, made the rounds themselves, scouting for items to add to their collections, trade, or resell. By day’s end, many vendors reported brisk sales, with some even claiming to have covered their travel costs within hours. “It’s the kind of start every show organizer hopes for,” said Mike Kent, the show’s longtime promoter.

Saturday’s Warm Welcome

Saturday brought a welcome shift in the weather, and an even warmer reception from the public. By 9 a.m., a lively crowd packed the lobby, eagerly awaiting the opening bell. When the doors opened, attendees poured into the hall, their excitement palpable. Some rushed to the upper-level mezzanine, while others headed straight for the main floor to reconnect with favorite dealers and discover hidden gems. Ensuring this smooth flow is no accident. Kent meticulously reviews floor plans from past years to ensure dealers remain in their traditional spots, allowing regular attendees to find their favorite vendors easily. “Consistency is key,” Kent explained. “It keeps people coming back year after year.” Traffic remained steady throughout the weekend, with attendance on par with previous years. Despite concerns that aging enthusiasts might lead to a decline in interest, the Middle Tennessee Civil War Show continues to thrive. New faces, like up-and-coming dealers Koltin Massie and Casey Waters, bring fresh energy and unique merchandise to the event. Meanwhile, stalwarts like Vin Caponi, Larry Munther, and Carl Sitherwood continue to expand their impressive displays, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Cannons, Displays, and Living History

No Civil War show is complete without the sights and sounds of the era, and this year’s event delivered in spades. Porter’s Battery, a local reenactment group, stole the show with their thunderous cannon demonstrations. Dressed in authentic period uniforms, the crew fired black powder rounds on the hour, shaking the ground and thrilling the gathered crowds. Their precise execution of 19th-century artillery drills added an air of authenticity, and excitement. While the cold weather this year precluded their usual fullscale campsite display, Porter’s Battery remains a perennial favorite. Inside the exhibit hall, dazzling displays captured the imagination of attendees. This year’s lineup featured an array of fresh and rarely seen collections, earning praise from both the public and the dealers.

Award-Winning Displays

The event also showcased the talents of collectors and historians, with several standout displays earning top honors: T Best of Show: Michael Briggs for his detailed exhibit on North Carolina School of Long Rifles. T Chairman’s Award: Rafael Eledge for the uniform coat of Capt. John Morton, Chief of Artillery for Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Hundreds of tables inside the spacious Williamson County Ag Expo Park in Franklin, Tenn.

T People’s Choice Award: John and Nikki Walsh for their stunning Battle of Fort Donelson display. T Best Firearm Award: Mel Hankla for the exquisite William Bell Glave Kentucky Rifle. T Best Sword Award: Gerald Roxbury for an impressive array of U.S. Navy officer swords. T Most Educational Award: Wayne Williams for his sobering presentation on surviving Civil War field amputations. T Historical Significance Awards: Tim Garrett’s scale model of the Confederate submarine Hunley and Rex Knight’s Pearl Harbor display offered a broader historical perspective.

Looking Ahead

Brendan Synnamon of The Union Drummer Boy from Gettysburg, Penn., had a fantastic display of uniforms.

Confederate frock coat of Capt. John. W. Morton, Forrest’s Award winners (L-R): John Walsh, Rex Knight, Mel Hankla, Chief of Artillery. (Rafael Eledge Michael Briggs, Gerald Roxbury, Tim Garrett, Rafael Eledge, and Collection) Wayne Williams.