[FAC] The Civil War Revisited

[Maria Franco]

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=2 0accounts 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=2 0Mansion 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, Union 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 dinner20under 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 more information 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!!!
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://fresnoarts.info/pipermail/fac-list_fresnoarts.info/attachments/20090930/2ca4c8bc/attachment.html>