[FAC] The Civil War Revisited

[Carole Lester]

 Don't miss the 20th annual Civil War Revisited at Kearney Park!  The Fresno Historical Society presents the 20th year of  the Valley's leading living history event. Friday prior to the Civil War Revisited weekend, a special school program, Time Travelers, is 
staged for 1800 fifth and eighth grade students.  The program's purpose is to 
capitalize on the period setting that is already in place for the weekend to immerse students in 
mid-nineteenth century American history.  Over 100 teachers, re-enactors, musicians, and artisans gather to populate a 
large array of learning stations placed throughout the venue. As students make 
their way through these learning stations they engage in face-to-face encounters 
with historical figures. They discuss issues of moral and social significance. 
They analyze the origins and outcome of past events. They explore the 
motivations and feelings of others within a particular historical framework.  It’s an exciting day for students and teachers.  It’s a day that can have a major impact on the way students approach learning for the rest of their lives . . . countless accounts of "Wow!  I learned so much today!" are reported each year this event has taken place.  

For the weekend event there are wonderful new elements added each year to keep people coming back . . . locals call this event a "Valley Treasure" and "not to be missed" and this year the focus is on medical practices during the mid 1800s.  There are several new
 reenactments:  on Saturday there will be a demonstration of triage which was put into place during the Civil War  to handle the large number of casualties.  Dr. Jonathan Letterman developed the plan  prior to the Battle of Antietam, one of the worst battles of the war.  The commemorative battle will take place at 1PM on Saturday followed immediately by a theater style reenactment of using triage and a surgical unit will perform surgeries inside Kearney Mansion . . . as it might have happened during the war when  medical personnel would take over a local farm house as a "hospital."  Following the 2nd battle there will be a moving reenactment of civilians and soldiers searching the battlefield for survivors using lanterns in the early evening.  

There are new outdoor classrooms with medical discussions . . . Dr.'s Clague and Peters present Medicine During the Civil War Era and Dr. Melissa Jordine presents on Sunday a discussion of the casualties of the weapons used during the period.  Maryanne Roger portrays a "woman" doctor during the period . . . . she is in an upstairs room at Kearney Mansion and her talks are often described as "awesome!"  Mary Miller, portraying Clara Barton, Angel of the Battlefield, will participate with the local Red Cross to tell the story of how she started the American Red Cross in 1881 and headed it for 23 years.  And Andy Hill portrays our Dr. Meux!


But it's not just about the battles!  Enjoy guided tours into the Civilian, Un
ion and Confederate encampments to talk with reenactors about life in general during the mid-1800s, see them cook their meals as they would have done and watch their children play games, sing songs, sew and mend clothes, and tend to their horses--and speaking of horses, find Gunsmoke and Buttercup as they pull the field hospital ambulance!

This year the Generals, portrayed by local reenactors Ray Appleton, Jim Patterson, Todd Holmes, Channing Hitchcock and Charles Henry, will be in character of their chosen Generals and talk about the strategies of the war, their personalities and how their traits influenced their decision making and a look at the overall war.  They provide one of the best venues for the history buff!

Meet Harriett Tubman,
Sojourner Truth, Walt Whitman, Mary Chesnut, Jefferson Davis, General
Custer and many more characters . . .   and of course, our wonderful Mr. Lincoln!


And the event is repeated on Sunday!

Following the day event on Saturday is Camp Night!  Enjoy dinner under the stars sitting on bales of straw, enjoy a camp fire and entertainment starting off with a mid 1800s authentic performance of  dance performed by the California Arts Academy.  The Sons of the San Joaquin will perform from 8 to 9,  followed by fireworks and cannons firing on the battlefield!  The evening ends with period dancing to Red Rag Andy--join in with reenactors and learn the Virginia Reel!

October 3-4
Gates open at 10 AM; $10 adults; $5 children 6-12, under 5 free
For more20information and tickets go to www.valleyhistory.org
Soldier Dinner Tickets available at Whole Foods Market, Fig Garden Village
Generals Dinner Tickets available by calling the Fresno Historical Society 559.441.0862.

 






 


Carole Lester
Public Relations & Events Director
The Fresno Historical Society
7160 West Kearney Boulevard
Fresno, CA 93706
559.441.0862 (voice)
559.441.1372 (fax)
FhsPR at aol.com 
www.valleyhistory.org 
www.civilwarrevisited.com 
www.alandbetweenrivers.org 

You're History!!!
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