|
Civil War Days set for Aug. 16-17
While August is a ways away, the Pipestone Civil War Days board has given permission for a preview of the event. More specific information about the times and locations of the performances will be released as the dates get closer, but for now people need to know that the event will be held on August 16 through 17 at the Song of Hiawatha Pageant Grounds, near Pipestone National Monument.
The Pipestone Civil War Days was one of the first events of its kind, and is considered by re-enactors and the public to be one of the best living history events in the region. This is the only Civil War re-enactment slated in Minnesota this year. In light of the Minnesota Sesquicentennial, this year will include programs on life in Minnesota during the Civil War, the Dakota Conflict, and the participation of Minnesota’s soldiers in the Civil War.
According to Chuck Ness, “The Pipestone Civil War Days allows visitors to interact in the lives of soldiers and civilians of the Civil War Era and to learn through living history. Civil War Days participants include living historians from throughout the upper mid-west, individuals recreating scenes from camp life, religious activities, and daily life, as well as people portraying common customs and manners of the era. Of course, there are the authentic battle scenarios from the Civil War.”
Performances slated to take place so far include the music of the era performed by Marty DeWitt of Garretson, SD. who will have a program on the music of the Civil War and will be accompanying other performers at the event.
Diane Peterson of Jasper, an accomplished violinist will add her fiddling to the event. The Round House Band, a five-piece band, will be singing and playing music on period instruments similar to what the soldiers themselves may have used, and will provide the music for the ball on the Courthouse lawn on Saturday evening.
The Minnesota Living History Society will attend and explain the customs of etiquette in Minnesota in the 1860s, showing how such a seemingly simple daily occurrence demonstrates the deeper customs and mores of the era. Late Saturday afternoon they will be providing ballroom dance lessons to prepare everyone for the ball later that evening.
The Fifth Minnesota Regiment Volunteer Infantry, Company C will portray the Dakota Conflict in Minnesota in 1862. This was a pivotal time in the state’s history with the Civil War in its second year; a conflict with the Dakota tribes began in 1862. The skirmishes occurred near the site of the Pipestone Civil War Days site.
The Fifth Minnesota accurately portrays the life of civilians and soldiers during this time, and provides an enlightened look into life during this troubled time in Minnesota history.
Visitors will meet immigrants struggling to make their way in their new country, women pushing the boundaries of the social order, and young men spoiling to prove their patriotism as their grandfathers did in the Revolution. It is an environment where you will find yourself sitting in their camp discussing current events with members of the unit. The members portray characters based on both real historical figures connected with their unit, and those typically found in our region living out their lives in interesting times. The Fifth Minnesota presents their stories in a first person modified interpretive style, staying in character throughout your visit. This style of presentation allows the interpreter to answer questions referencing modern to historical comparisons without leaving 1862. The story of what happened in 1862 is of importance to everyone, for it gives us a glimpse of human frailty and the danger of unyielding social dogma.
There will be a program on Minnesota as an emerging state, having been granted statehood three years prior to the Civil War. Minnesota was the first state to volunteer soldiers to this conflict between the North and the South. This program will provide insight in to life of people in Minnesota as the soldiers were fighting in places most had never heard of or seen.
Hundreds of trained living historians will be dressed in the uniforms and costumes of the time, demonstrating the way of life of people of the era. They are available and eager to answer visitor questions, providing an opportunity for education by both observation and inquiry.
There are the unique artists and craftspeople who sell their homemade 1860’s style ware in Sutler’s Row at the event. Quilters, potters, blacksmiths, and others demonstrate their age-old techniques to visitors. The event provides the public and participants the opportunity to interact with performers and artists of the very highest quality, while utilizing the local community’s own theatrical resources to bring the event to life.
A special program at the event will be Abe and Mary Lincoln. They will be on the grounds both days to answer questions and on Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. they will have a special performance at the Performing Arts Center titled, “An Evening with the Lincolns.” The Lincoln’s reflect on the Presidency, their lives, and their time in White House. In this poignant presentation, they reveal much about their lives together, beginning with their courtship, early marriage, and the tumultuous years of the Civil War. This program will leave an impression on all who attend.
Other events include daily battles, funeral practices of the era, a Civil War era baseball team, a medical program, demonstrations of the telegraph and various other demonstrations.
|
