Update: Sept. 12, 9:07 a.m. The Civil War Weekend event scheduled for Sept. 15-16 has been canceled due to expected rain from Hurricane Florence.
Original post: Aug. 28: Local history organization Waynesboro At War will host its annual Civil War Weekend, September 15 and 16, at Coyner Springs Park, on Lyndhurst Road.
Reenactors in period garb will portray soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conflict and give visitors a firsthand taste of what it was like to live in the 1860’s.
“We encourage everyone to ask questions and engage with the reenactors,” says Reed Lewis, president of the nonprofit. “We try to bring something new each year so our visitors go away having learned more about life in the past than they thought they might.”
Among the “somethings” this year is wet plate photographer John Milleker who will be offering not only a talk about Civil War photography but a chance for attendees to sit for a tintype shot and developed in the 19th-century manner.
Also in the mix will be reenactors who portray Virginia governor “Extra Billy” Smith and the captain of the CSS Shenandoah James Waddell. Cavalry troopers will compete in a skills challenge during the weekend, and infantrymen will vie against each other trying to meet the “3-shots-per-minute” standard for Civil War soldiers.
“We are also bringing back the 4 p.m. Saturday Town Ball game, and the Dance Social from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.,” adds co-organizer Michele Lewis. “It’s not just about the battles, but the total picture of life at that time. There will be a lot to do this year.”
The event will run Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with the dance at 7 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Battle scenarios will be fought at 2 p.m. each day. The cost is $5 per day for the camps and $5 for the dance. Children 11 and younger are free. Discounted weekend passes are also available. Information, advance ticket sales, and schedules can be found at www.waynesboroatwar.com.
Waynesboro At War is a 501(c)3 non-profit and conducts research into Civil War topics and organizes presentations and living history events. To donate or volunteer, contact Reed and Michele at [email protected].
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