Experience Our Past with
Reenactments, Living History

Roundup of Area Events 2000

by Darryl R. Smith


The following is a listing of military reenactments and other events related to military history that occurs in the Great Lakes region. Much of this information was gleaned from the internet.

Spanish-American War
April 28-29 Eaton, OH.

This is a Living History event with a possible skirmish at Ft. St. Clair Park. The organizers hope to make this event the largest in the Midwest. It is planned to be a muster/drill weekend for all military branches, including U.S. Regulars, Volunteers, Militia (National Guard), and Cavalry(dismounted), as well as Spanish Regulars. All impressions will be welcome. The event will concentrate on one day (Saturday), with drills and a possible skirmish. Hosted by the 9th U.S. Infantry, Company C . Contact Steve Beaver, P.O. Box 283, Mulberry, IN 46058-0283. (765) 296-2439, or e-mail: beaver@mintel.net.

Maritime Lecture Series: Donald Graves
April 29, 2 pm Ft. Niagra, Ontario

The Flagship Niagara League hosts author Donald Graves, who will discuss his books: "The Battle of Lundys Lane" and "Red Coats and Grey Jackets." Book signing will follow presentation. No Charge. Contact Old Fort Niagara Association, PO Box 169, Youngstown, NY 14174-0169. (716) 745-7611.

Civil War Artillery School
May 6-7 Ft. Niagara, NY

The shores of Lake Ontario will once again resound with the boom of artillery fire as 175 Civil War re-enactors present the Civil War Artillery School at old Fort Niagara. Representing units of the Union Army, the re-enactors will train and drill to perfect their skills with 19th Century muzzle-loading cannons. Visitors to the fort will be able to watch artillery classes and drill sessions. Cannon firing sessions will be held throughout both days and veteran artillerists will be on hand to discuss how cannons were loaded and fired during the Civil War. Also during the weekend, Union soldiers will present programs on Civil War uniforms.

23rd Annual Ohio Civil War Collectors Show, 8th Annual Artillery Show and 14th Annual Civil War Veterans Historical Association Encampment
May 6-7 Richmond County Fairgrounds, Mansfield, OH

Civil War show with field hospital, encampment, sutlers, music, etc. Admission $5 for 12 and older, with a portion of proceeds going to Johnson's Island Confederate Prison Preservation Society, Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg, Inc., National Museum of Civil War Medicine and APCWS. For more information, contact Don Williams, 1083 Oak Hill Circle, Ashland, OH 44805. (419) 289-3120.

Civil War Weekend
May 12-14 Cambridge City, IN

Benefits the alternative education programs in Eastern Indiana. For more information, contact Col. Eli R. Beachy, 1st Kentucky Battalion, CSA, Box 251, Chippewa Lake, OH 44215. (330) 769-4498, or e-mail: ocrohio@apk.net

Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous
May 27-28 Vincennes, IN

One of the Midwest's premier Revolutionary War reenactments occurs Memorial Day weekend at the site of the foremost American victory throughout the frontier. Contact Spirit of Vincennes, Inc., P.O. Box 1816, Vincennes, IN 47591. Web site: users.bestonline.net/fdough/spirit.htm.

Muskets to Missiles
May 27-28 Fort Niagara, NY

Costumed participants will recreate soldiers from the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War, late nineteenth century, World War I & II. The New York National Guard will be on hand to display modern uniforms, weapons and equipment. Daily programs will feature uniforms, weapons, tactics demonstrations, special tours of Old Fort Niagara, guided tours of "New" Fort Niagara (the post that grew up in what is now Fort Niagara State Park after the Civil War), and a look at the New Fort Niagara Officer's Club. Guided tours of the historic 1812 cemetery will also be offered.

Memorial Day Weekend Military Remembrance

May 27-29 Ft. Meigs, OH War of 1812 military encampment featuring an 18-gun salute on Saturday, 11 am, and Monday, 2 pm., at the Memorial Ceremony. Extended hours: 9:30 am - 5 pm, Monday noon to 5 pm.

Memorial Day Celebration
May 28 Lebanon National Cemetery, Lebanon, KY

Civil War buffs won't want to miss this rededication honoring Union soldiers from the Battle of Perryville and Tebbs Bend. Military units will be in period dress for the event. (502) 893-3852.

Mill Springs Memorial Ceremony
May 29 Mill Springs National Cemetery, Nancy, KY

Call (606) 679-1859 for details.

Monument Dedication
May 29 Canal Winchester Area Historical Society, Canal Winchester, OH

Monument dedication to Pvt. Alfred Cannon, Company D, 95th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on the grounds of the Historical Society at 11:30 a.m. Contact Bob Davis, 84 Kramer St., Canal Winchester, OH 43110, or Cpl. Jerry Dailey, 54th O.V.I., 6568 Fallon Ln., Canal Winchester, OH 43110. (614) 837-6911, or e-mail: sdmath4me@aol.com.

The Blue and Gray Reunion
June 1-4 Philippi, WV

Step back in time to commemorate the first land battle of the Civil War. Night battle of cannons and troops, crafts, parade, Civil War Ball, and more. Contact The Blue and Gray Reunion Inc., PO Box 911, Philippi, WV 26416. (304) 457-4265, (304) 457-2368 or (304) 457-5381.

Battle Reenactment
June 3-5 Stoney Creek, Ontario

Contact Battlefield House Museum: (905) 662-8458, or e-mail: bhmchin@binatech.on.ca.

Open House Living History Display
June 10-11 Grissom Air Base, IN

The Grissom Air Museum staff has invited all military reenactors to participate in a living history display at GrissomARB, IN (off US-31 between South Bend and Indianapolis). Contact Eric Kiess, 4th AD/25th Recon: (219) 639-3385, between 5:30 -9 pm, EST, or e-mail: ekmedic@aol.com.

Muster on the Maumee
June 16-18 Ft. Meigs, OH

Features soldiers through the ages, from the French and Indian War through the 20th century. Also vendors, craftsmen, and performers. Extended hours Saturday: 9:30 am - 7 pm; Sunday 9:30 am - 5 pm.

Civil War Reenactment, Morgan Trail
Jun 16- 18 Williamsburg, OH

Hosted by 1st Kentucky Battalion, CSA. Contact Col. Eli R. Beachy, Box 251, Chippewa Lake, OH 44215. (330) 769-4498, or e-mail: ocrohio@apk.net.

Living History Series: 60 Years War (The French and Indian War)
June 16 - 18 Ft. Niagra, Ontario

The Flagship Niagara League hosts a weekend of living history with Reenactors encamped on the north lawn of the Erie Maritime Museum. Experience the sights and sounds of life during the French and Indian Wars. Contact Old Fort Niagara Association, PO Box 169, Youngstown, NY 14174-0169. (716) 745-7611.

Stonewall Jackson Civil War Seminar
June 16-18 Fairmont, WV

Lectures will explore the role of West Virginia in the Civil War. Seminar on the military, social, and political issues that lead to the hostile actions between the states. Contact Prickett's Fort State Park, RT 3, Box 407, Fairmont, WV 26554. (304) 363-3030, or e-mail: pfort@westco.net. Web site: www.dmssoft.com/pfort.

36th Virginia Regiment Reenactment
June 17-18 Point Pleasant, WV

Contact West Virginia State Farm Museum, RT 1 Box 479, Point Pleasant, WV 25550. (304) 675-5737, or e-mail: farmus@zoomnet.net.

Morgan's Raid
June 17-18 Columbus, OH

A platoon of Confederate cavalry detached from John Hunt Morgan's daring raid into southern Ohio occupies Ohio Village, Columbus. Commemoration of the only campaign that took place in Ohio during the Civil War. Sponsored by Ohio Historical Society. Contact Douglas R. Cubbison, (614) 298-2901, Wednesday through Sunday.

14th Annual Licking County Civil War Reenactment
June 24-25 Infirmary Mound Park, Granville, OH

Sponsored by the Licking Park District, 73rd OVI and the 8th Kentucky CSA. Contact Licking Park District, PO Box 590, Granville, OH 43023. (740) 587-2535, or e-mail: lpd@msmisp.com. Web site: www.msmisp.com/lpd.

6th OVI plans busy year of reenactments

Here is a schedule of some of the reenactments the 6th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Attached is planning to paricipate in:

April 15-16 Ohio Village Reenactment, Columbus.
May 19-21 Training Camp, Camp Dennison Civil War Training Camp, Cincinnati.
May 29 Memorial Day Parade, Springfield, OH.
June 2-4 Crabill House, Springfield, OH.
July 22-23 Hastings, MI, Reenactment
July 29-31 Living History, Mechanicsburg, OH.
Aug. 5 Living History, Vinton, OH.
Aug. 19-21 Living History, Mt. Vernon, OH.
Aug. 26-27 Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnatini, OH.
Sept. 8-10 Munfordsville, KY, Reenactment
Oct. 6-8 Perryville, KY, Reenactment.
Oct. 27-29 North College Hill, OH, Reenactment.
Nov. 10-12 Chattanooga, TN, Reenactment.
Nov. 18-19 Gettysburg Remembrance Day.
Dec. 10 Christmas at Ohio Village, Living History, Columbus, OH.

If you are interested in joining the 6th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and you have e-mail capability, contact Capt. John Crabb: capt6ovi@midohio.net. Otherwise, contact the editor and I will put you in touch with them.


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