Civil War Living History Weekend

A boom from a cannon. The fall of a Confederate soldier. The shouts and gunfire from the infantry. Spectators can watch these images come alive in Wilmington, N.C., at the 7^th annual Civil War Living History Weekend. The Cameron Art Museum will create a reenactment of the Battle of Forks Road on Feb. 25 and 26, complete with a ghost tour, cannon and artillery demonstrations and artisan demonstrations.

A favorite activity among visitors is watching the artillery and infantry battles. Visitors are able to see how the replicas of these arms from the 1860s work and they can also see how they are loaded and feel the booms resonate within them. Not only do guests see troops fire cannons and arms, but they become apart of their encampments, join in with campfire rituals and witness the horrors of the trenches.

One of the more unique aspects of the Living History Weekend is the emphasis of the United States Colored Troops and their impact in the fall of Wilmington. For this year’s Living History Weekend, both the 37^th US Colored Troop Infantry Battery “B” Artillery and the Ohio 5^th US Colored Troop Infantry will be on hand to demonstrate what occurred at the Battle of Forks Road.

Fallen soldiers will have the chance to come back from the dead the first night with the second Live Civil War Ghost Walk. Through special lighting and period-style costumes, the tour comes alive with characters who help tell the story of the Civil War, what life was like during the era, along with an ongoing narration by a professional storyteller who thoroughly grabs your attention. The tour is peppered with frightening moments, fun interactions and engaging acts.

Several guest speakers, including Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo and Malcolm Beech, a member of the 37th US Colored Troops Infantry, will kick off the day’s festivities with an opening ceremony that Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Additionally, those interested in the creativity of the Civil War era can enjoy the Cameron Art Museum’s unique display of Civil War era art and drawings. Titled Civil War Drawings from the Becker Collection, this exhibit is open during the weekend and is free during the Living History weekend. Children will also be able to do crafts and create their own art and play Civil War era games.

Events begin Saturday at 9 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. The ghost tour begins shortly after at 6:30 p.m. Festivities continue on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The entire weekend is free, making the Civil War Living History Weekend a perfect way to spend time with family and friends.

**Written for Southern Hospitality in February 2012.