The Civil War re-enactment for 2013 is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23 at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum. The Encampment will be open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. This outdoor event features Civil War re-enactors encamped with all the trappings of the 1860’s. Demonstrations of camp life including crafts, cooking over an open fire, needlework, and a blacksmith will be on hand.
Re-enactors portray specific soldiers and regiments, and have thoroughly researched their lives and military histories. Two battles will be fought on the grounds, one each day. Though black powder will be used in the weapons, no projectiles will be fired. This is a great event for kids and history buffs of any age!
On Saturday, June 22, a Civil War Ball will be held at the museum from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Weather permitting, the Ball will be held on the veranda in front of the museum building. Refreshments of General Oglethorpe’s Orange cake, as well as various cookies and punch will be served in the meeting room of the museum. The re-enactors will listen to the music and dance instructions of Susan Brown & Company. Enjoy the grace and beauty of this event and feel free to take photographs.
Come and Meet the Generals! Two Civil War Generals will tell of their lives during the “War Between the States.” "The Life & Times of Gen. George Pickett" & "The Legend of Gen. Henry Heth" will be presented in the museum meeting room at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Immediately following, at 2:00 p.m. the Civil War ladies will have a tea that will include Parlor Games, iced tea punch, tea sandwiches and cookies.
On Sunday at 11 a.m. General Pickett will be presenting his program once more; this time at his tent. At 1 p.m. General Heth will again be speaking in the meeting room of the museum.
Food will again be for sale by B&J’s American Café at the rear of the building. Picnic tables are provided.
The current display, “With This Ring…” featuring wedding attire from the mid 20th century is on exhibit throughout the museum. Also on display is the Historical Society’s own collection of Civil War memorabilia, as well as the W.A. Jones Collection of Ancient Weapons.
New this year: $5 per carload gets the re-enactment and admission to the museum.
CIVIL WAR SCHEDULE
Saturday June 22
9:00 am OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Impromptu demonstrations of camp life, weaponry, etc. begin for "modern civilians" wandering into camp.
11:30 am Artillery Drill!
1:00 pm "Meet the Generals" "The Life & Times of Gen. George Pickett" & "The Legend of Gen. Henry Heth." Presented in the museum meeting room.
2:00 pm Ladies' Tea in the meeting room of the museum. All are invited!
3:00 pm SKIRMISH! In the field south of the building
4:00 PM CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
7:00-9:00 pm CIVIL WAR BALL! On the veranda, weather permitting. Dance to the music of Susan Brown and Co. Public is invited. Cake and punch in the meeting room.
Sunday, June 23
9:00 am OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
10:00 am Church Service
11:00 am "The Life & Times of Gen. George Pickett" at his tent.
11:30am Artillery Drill
1:00pm "The Legend of Henry Heth" in the museum meeting room.
2:30 pm SKIRMISH! In yard in front of the museum.
4:00 pm CLOSED TO PUBLIC
The La Porte County Historical Society Museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave. in La Porte and is accessible to those with disabilities. Call us at 219-324-6767 for more information, or visit our website at www.laportecountyhistory.org