Civil War Living History Encampment [Saturday, Oct. 12]
Civil War Living History Encampment [Saturday, Oct. 12]
On Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13, the Civil War Living History Encampment will return to LancasterHistory’s Campus of History. Civil War reenactors from across the region will set up a Federal (Union) camp, educational displays, and more to recreate Civil War-era Lancaster and the pressures of protecting the former U.S. President James Buchanan and his home. Soldier and civilian tents will dot the Campus of History grounds where visitors will be able to view military drills, chat with the soldiers, and attend various educational programs for free throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, October 12, the following free activities will be available:
- 10am – Civil War Storytime
- Join LancasterHistory educators for a Civil War Storytime as we read B is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet by Patricia Bauer and learn about the Civil War. (Recommended for children ages 4-9, but all ages welcome.)
- 11am – Historic Clothing & Dress Up
- Why did women of the Civil War Era wear hoop skirts? Why did the men look so serious? Come learn about how people dressed in the 1860s. LancasterHistory staff will show attendees the different layers of clothing that went into achieving the popular styles of the period. Children are invited to try on historic costumes to experience the clothing first-hand. (All ages welcome.)
- 1pm – Make A Handkerchief Doll
- Popular during the Civil War, handkerchief dolls were fun and easy to make. Materials provided while supplies last. (Children of all ages welcome.)
- 2pm – Historic Dancing
- Join LancasterHistory staff and 1860s dancers to “step” into the past! Costumed interpreters will demonstrate a dance called “Soldier’s Joy” that was popular during the Civil War. Attendees are invited to learn the steps and join in on the fun. (All ages welcome; no partner or dance experience necessary.)
- 6-8pm – Lantern Tours
- Attendees can experience the camps and campus at dusk as you wind through the grounds lit by luminaries and listen to first-person portrayals by costumed reenactors tell about the Civil War and soldiers’ experiences. Tours on the 1/2 hour from 6-8pm. (All ages welcome. Flashlights encouraged.)
Also available on Saturday, October 12 with a ticket:
- Guided tours of Wheatland will be available from 10am – 3pm at a special, discounted rate. For October 12, 2019 only, adult and senior admission is $2 off and all children ages 17 and younger are free! (This special rate cannot be combined with other discounts.)
- Tickets are available in advance online or at the door, first come, first served. CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS
- Join Lancaster Transplant and LancasterHistory for a special Pints with the President from 5:30-8pm. Tickets required. Click here to learn more or get tickets
The Civil War Living History Encampment takes place on Saturday, October 12 from 9am – 5pm (except the Lantern Tours from 6-8pm) and Sunday, October 13 from 10am – 4pm at LancasterHistory, 230 North President Avenue, Lancaster, PA. The Encampment is free and open to the public. Parking available on-site, but carpooling is encouraged if applicable.
Additional questions about the Encampment can be directed to info@lancasterhistory.org.