Hearthside - The House That Love Built

CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT RETURNS TO CHASE FARM IN JUNE - Updated!

Mark your calendar for June 4-5 as the Civil War comes to life once again in the hills of Chase Farm. Step back in time and experience the roar of the cannons, blasts of musketry, and the smell of campfires as soldiers and civilians dressed in authentic period clothing recreate this important historical event. Hearthside will undergo a dramatic transformation from an elegant mansion to a field hospital for the wounded soldiers. Real-life military medics will demonstrate 19 th century medical techniques and use period instruments as they perform realistic procedures, such as amputations, using stage blood.

Sponsored by the Town of Lincoln and the 21st Mississippi Infantry Company H, the Battle at Chase Farm is being cited as the largest Civil War event in New England this summer, drawing some 500 re-enactors in addition to the medical unit performing at the Field Hospital. Battle scenarios will take place on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon in the hills of Chase Farm Park. When the battles are not being fought, visitors are encouraged to walk through the Union and Confederate campsites and talk to the re-enactors about life in the 19th century. The Field Hospital at Hearthside will be open for throughout the event hours on both days with demonstrations and displays for a $2.00 admission. Because of the graphic nature of the medical scenarios, it is not advised for young children or those uncomfortable with such procedures.

Artillery and cavalry demonstrations will take place each day, complemented by other special events. On Saturday evening, there will be a Candlelight Tour of the camps at dusk, followed by an artillery demonstration. This is a separate, limited attendance event, available with a $10 ticket, which is good for admittance to both days of the re-enactment and field hospital. On Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m., the Providence Brigade Band, originally chartered in 1847, will perform authentic musical re-creations of Brass Band Music of the Civil War. A concession stand will be available to provide refreshments and lunch, making it a perfect outing for the day for families.

Times for the event are from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. There is no onsite parking, but continuously running shuttle buses will provide transportation from the parking lot at the Community College of Rhode Island, located just off Route 146 at the Breakneck Hill Road exit in Lincoln. Signs directing visitors to the free parking lot will be posted. Cost for general admission to the battlegrounds is $5.00.

Since the Civil War Re-enactment comes to Lincoln only every few years, be sure not to miss your chance to see this popular event in June.

Click here for photos from the 2002 event.

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