MANSFIELD — Most of the historical reenactments at Mansfield’s South Park have been focused on the United States’ Revolutionary War period.
But the Richland Early American Center for History is bringing a new era to life in June.
The first Civil War Living History Days is scheduled for June 8 and 9. The free event is open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
“If it goes over well, we hope we’ll continue it in years to come,” said Tom Pappas, vice president of the Richland Early American Center for History (REACH).
Like previous events hosted by REACH, Pappas said Civil War Living History Days will be an interactive, educational experience.
Guests can attend presentations on topics ranging from Civil War-era music to military life and early photography. Visitors can also meander through the camp, take in the historical costumes and speak with re-enactors about their varying areas of expertise.
Valerie Hamill, a 20-year re-enactor, will bring her characters The Civil War Herb Lady and Major Pauline Cushman, Spy of the Cumberland to South Park.
Cushman was a trained actress who became a spy for the Union Army, posing as a Confederate sympathizer in order to get information.
Event will feature Civil War surgery display, cannon fire
Hamill, who is helping to organize the event, said she expects at around 60 re-enactors, each offering a unique perspective on life in the 1860s.
“We’ve got Dan Masters who is a well-known Civil War author who’s going to be there Saturday,” she said.
“We’re going to have a woman that’s incredible in our housewares and kitchen display. Doug Gill, who is the Civil War surgeon, one of the best around. We even have some calvary.”
The South Park cabins and blacksmith shop will be open. There will also be hourly cannon fire.
Organizers say they hope the event can help people of all ages appreciate the history of the era and imagine life in a simpler time.
“We’d love for the families to come and stroll around this beautiful, gorgeous park to watch somebody spinning wool, making things and pulling lint,” Hamill said.
The full schedule is posted below. A food truck will be onsite both days.
To make a financial contribution to Civil War Living History Days at South Park, click here.
June 8
10 a.m. Music of the Civil War with Steve and Lisa Ball.
11 a.m. The Daguerreotype — The Great Social Equalizer and the Studio Experience with Michael Rhodes.
Noon. A Day in the Life of a Private with Private Rex Maggert.
1 p.m. Reenactor Ladies Tea at the pavilion (the public is invited to watch).
1 p.m. The Civil War Songbird: Solo Interpretations of Civil War Music — Patriotic, Hymns and Spiritual Selections with Diane Virostko.
2 p.m. Lt. George Erasmus Dixon, third and final captain of the Confederate submarine The Hunley with John Spaziani.
3 p.m. So You Want to Be an Army Nurse — Defining His and Her Duties with Jackie Greer
8:30 p.m. Candlelight Lantern Tours of Camps.
June 9
11 a.m. Church service with Skip Wilson.
Noon. A First-Person Portrayal of Mary Surratt with Carol Polkinghorne.
1 p.m. President Lincoln goes to Washington (the Four Worse Years of His Life) with John King.
2 p.m. First Lady Mary Lincoln with Mrs. King.
3 p.m. The Ohio Statehouse Guns with Duncan Virostko.