A living history Civil War reenactment event is set for Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. All aspects of Civil War life will be on display. The event will kick off with a parade on Saturday beginning at Old Fort Western in Augusta and following Arsenal Street to the Arboretum. Each day will present both Confederate and Union encampment life with varying demonstrations from bread baking to musket firing and many other day to day living activities. Dozens of reenactors will be on hand throughout the day in period uniforms and clothing to answer questions. In addition to the military there will also civilian presentations and genealogy. Two narrated battles will occur and a reenactment of the surrender at Appomattox will all be a part of the program. according to a news release from the arboretum.

“We are teaming up with Maine Living History, an organization that was formed to support living history and its relevance to the state of Maine and her citizens. Many members are now concentrating on the Civil War and its Sesquicentennial Celebration. Many of their members focus on that era. They have members from all walks of history: reenactors, professional Living Historians, historical-society members, authors, ancestors, history buffs, etc. Creative events like this one brings new people to discover the Viles Arboretum who might not otherwise even know we exist. Along the way, they will learn about the many resources, exhibits, and interpretive programs we offer to the public,” said Mark P. DesMeules, Viles Arboretum executive director, in the release. There will be a small admission fee and an authentic Civil War era lunch will be available. Breakfast refreshments will be available each day.

For more information, visit www.vilesarboretum.org or call 626-7989.


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