Hearthside - The House That Love Built

CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 12-13, 2009

Held Rain or Shine

The pastoral fields of Lincoln 's 85-acre Chase Farm Park behind Hearthside will be filled with the clattering of arms, the roar of firearms, the smells of gunpowder and campfires, and the whoops of defiance from the soldiers as the Civil War returns to Lincoln on September 12-13 th .

This battle re-enactment and living history is a signature event for Hearthside, and a favorite among re-enactors throughout New England, as well as with the spectators from around the state who come to experience the re-creation of this important time in our nation's history. The event is held every two years in Lincoln.

In addition to the daily battle scenarios, the event will feature hundreds of re-enactors, a field hospital with real-life medics demonstrating 19th century medical techniques, artillery demonstrations and a civilian camp. The re-enactors, dressed in authentic period clothing, aim for realism--in action, attire, and equipment. They attempt to come as close as possible to a sense of actually “being there.” It is an opportunity for the entire family to experience history up close.

Featured at this year's event will be an appearance by President Abraham Lincoln portrayed by Phillip Chetwynd. Phillip is returning to Lincoln after having been part of the Town's first Civil War Re-enactment in the 1980s. President Lincoln will be present throughout the weekend, reviewing the troops, being interviewed by the press, and being on hand in the camp to talk to re-enactors and spectators alike. A special raffle will be held as part of the weekend event which will give some lucky folks the opportunity to step back in time to 1864 and enjoy an authentic period dinner in the Union commander's tent with President Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant. The winner and his/her 3 guests will be provided with appropriate period clothing for the evening. Inside the commander's tent, a small group will enjoy a campfire meal that would have been served to dignitaries. The proceeds from this Raffle will help to support the efforts of the Friends of Hearthside in preserving Hearthside and Great Road 's history.

A Candlelight Tour of the encampment is an optional offering which includes a dramatic night artillery firing.

Tours of Hearthside will be available throughout the weekend as well as a number of special events. On Saturday at 11:00 a.m., fashions of the Civil War period will be featured during a Fashion Show at Hearthside. Ladies in their hoop dresses, soldiers in uniform, and even children in their frocks and knickers will provide an interesting look at the way a family dressed during the 1860s.

Following the Fashion Show, President Lincoln will be making an appearance for an important press conference. On hand to lead the questioning will be Rhode Island's Chief Justice (retired) Frank J. Williams, nationally renowned Lincoln scholar and author. At the conclusion of the press conference, President Lincoln will draw the name of the lucky winner who will dine with him that evening in the Union commander's tent.

The battle on Saturday afternoon will take place at 2:00, followed by a hospital scenario at the battlefield. At 3:00 p.m., children who may be too young to handle the hospital scenario may find more enjoyment at Hearthside where the toys and games of the late 1800s will be featured. The park closes at 4:00 p.m.

On Sunday, the re-enactors will attend church service at 9:00 a.m. held in the field. Spectators are welcome to attend this 19 th century service. At Hearthside, General Lee and his chief of staff, Lt. Col. Walter Taylor, will give an address at 10:30 a.m., and President Lincoln will follow with an 11:30 speech, each giving their views on the War. Sunday's battle will take place at 1:00 p.m. with a hospital scenario to follow. Closing ceremonies will take place at 2:30 and the park closes at 3:00 p.m.

The hours for the Civil War Weekend are from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. The Candlelight Tour and Night Firing is from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Admission for one-day is $10 for adults; $7 seniors/students; $5 age 5-10; under age 5 free. A family up to 4 members is $25. The Candlelight Tour and Night Firing ticket may be purchased at $5. A two-day admission ticket may be purchased for $15.

Ample parking will be available on site. Food vendors and Civil War sutlers will be available for selling food and 19 th century items as well.

The Battle at Chase Farm is presented by the Friends of Hearthside, the Town of Lincoln , the New England Brigade and the Liberty Greys.

Re-enactors wishing to register for the event may do so by obtaining a registration form at http://necwevents.tripod.com or by contacting Joe Pereira at 617-877-6134 (JoePereira@aol.com) by August 28th. Mounted troops registration and early registration is $8.00. After August 28th, registration is $10. Walk on registration allowed. Children under 12 are free.

For more details about the Civil War Weekend, click here .

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