Civil War re-enactors to camp in Freehold

FREEHOLD — To celebrate the opening of the new exhibition, “Marching Away: Monmouth County in the Civil War,” the Monmouth County Historical Association will host a Civil War re-enactors encampment during the weekend of Sept. 17-18 on the grounds of the museum and library, 70 Court St., Freehold.

The public will be welcome to tour the encampment between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. on both days. At the same time, tours of the exhibition will be offered in the museum.

Organized by the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry Company D re-enactors group, the event will feature military activities and demonstrations, as well as craft demonstrations from the Civil War era.

According to Antoinette David of the 2nd Rhode Island, “The re-enactors really enjoy engaging the public as they practice their drills and demonstrations and they are ready to answer any questions about the life of a Civil War soldier. This will be a terrific family event.”

Ongoing activities will include demonstrations of rug making, chair caning, hat box making, and cooking over an open fire using recipes from the mid-19th century. There will also be displays of toys of the period and of models of naval vessels that were used in the Civil War. Mary Todd Lincoln will be on hand to talk with visitors about her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, and about her experiences as First Lady.

In addition, another re-enactor group, the 6th New York Independence Battery, will be bringing a vintage 1863 Civil War cannon for display and giving demonstrations of how a cannon would have been loaded to fire.

Scheduled activities on both days will be as follows:

11 a.m. – Military drills with discussion on types of formation.

1 p.m. – Rifle shooting contest with an explanation of gun fare.

2 p.m. – Victorian tea.

3 p.m. – Dancing of the period with instruction.

Visitors will be encouraged to participate in all of the activities.

The exhibition, “Marching Away: Monmouth County in the Civil War,” will be on view at the historical association from Sept. 17 through December 2012. Since this year marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, it is timely to explore how this conflict impacted the brave Monmouth County men who volunteered to join the Union Army, according to a press release.

Funding for the exhibition has been provided by the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.

Admission to the encampment and the museum exhibition is free. Parking will be available at the Monmouth County Court House parking lot across the street from the Monmouth County Historical Association.

For membership or admission fees and further information, call 732- 462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory.org.