Community Corner

Pennypacker Mills Commemorates Civil War's 150th Anniversary

Reunion and battle re-enactments part of annual event

Pennypacker Mills released the following information:

The countryside will resound with the thunder of cannons on Saturday, June 2, and Sunday, June 3, when historic Pennypacker Mills commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War at the largest Civil War event in Montgomery County. Witness an exciting battle enactment each day, explore military encampments, and see fascinating artillery and infantry demonstrations. See Living History demonstrations throughout each day. Special speakers, live musical entertainment, and special kids programs highlight this fascinating period in American history! Take this opportunity to learn more about the nation’s past and mark the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Admission and parking are free.

Visit the event website at www.civilwarreunion.org for a schedule of events, directions, helpful hints, and much more.

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Saturday, June 2, highlights

· Attend a fascinating presentation by author Scott Mingus, Sr. who will give an account of the early movements of the Confederates into Pennsylvania and the response by the Union volunteer militias, prior to the battle at Gettysburg.

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· On the mansion porch, enjoy Songs and Stories of the Civil War by Matthew Dodd, singer, minstrel, and storyteller, throughout the day.

· Visit the battlefield for a rousing artillery demonstration that will look at how cannon fire was one of the most effective tools during a battle. Hear about the various cannons, learn how these behemoths were loaded and fired, and meet both Union and Confederate artillerists.

· After the battle, attend an Irish Band Concert on the mansion porch with the members of the 69th Pennsylvania Irish Band. Hear Civil War era Irish music and songs as this well-known group of musicians entertains one and all.

Sunday, June 3, highlights:

· Start the day by attending a Civil War era Sunday Service offered by the Chaplain. Sing hymns and hear a rousing sermon.

· A must-see speaker is John Marx who will present “The General and the Private,” an in-depth look at Brevet Major General Galusha Pennypacker, the youngest General in the Civil War, North or South. Of particular focus will be the horrific Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C., for which Galusha received the Medal of Honor. Marx will also discuss the Civil War experience of Samuel W. Pennypacker, who fought as a private and member of the militia. These men were cousins and shared their military experiences in personal letters and a lifetime of friendship.

· “Fiddlesticks,” an entertaining musical duo will be on hand to perform Civil War era songs on a variety of instruments.

Throughout the weekend:

· Each morning, the ever-popular “Be a Soldier” Enlistment Program will take kids and “enlist” them into the Union Army. This is a great opportunity for kids to “live the moment” and experience the life of a soldier during the Civil War. Sign the enlistment papers, raise your hand and take the official oath, take a medical exam, and then march off to drill.

· Each afternoon, visit the Union and Confederate encampment areas for their Dress Parade and Inspection.

· Arrive early to the event to get the best location along the sidelines for the daily battle. See how battles were fought during the Civil War with artillery blasting, infantry marching onto the battlefield, signal corps members using their flags to communicate with the troops, and the sound of the drummer boy as he kept the troops in marching symmetry.

· Visit both the Union and Confederate encampments where the daily life of a grunt soldier is demonstrated. Look inside tents, talk with soldiers, see what is cooking in the mess area, and ask questions of any of these well-versed re-enactors.

· On the Civilian Street, meet military engineers as they draw battle plans using Civil War era surveying equipment, smell the bread baking and food simmering on the open fire, see hair and clothing fashions and reproduction Civil War Era dolls dressed in the clothing styles of 1865.

Pennypacker Mills Historic Site, operated by the Montgomery County Department of Parks & Heritage Services, is located at 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA. Pennypacker Mills offers guided tours, changing exhibits, seasonal events, and educational programs. For information call 610-287-9349.

For more information, contact Linda Callegari, Assistant Administrator, at 610-287-9349 or email her at lcallega@montcopa.org.


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