Civil War Encampment and Activities featured during May 5 - 7 Old Capitol Days

SPRINGFIELD - Authentic Civil War camps, period music, and living history programs will highlight Old Capitol Days, to be held from the evening of Friday, May 5 until the afternoon of Sunday, May 7 at the Old Capitol State Historic Site in downtown Springfield.  The event is free and open to the public.

 

            Campsites will be set up on the Old Capitol lawn by Civil War re-enactment groups including Logan's Brigade; the 41^st, 45^th and 114^th Regiments, Illinois Volunteer Infantry; 17^th Corps Field Hospital; 1^st Missouri Engineers; Illinois 29^th Infantry, U.S. Colored Troops; and a surveying detachment.  Visitors may see authentic uniforms, gear and activities at each campsite.  The Ladies' Parlor is a special area featuring the clothing and daily lives of 19^th century women.  Civilian protesters, known as "Copperheads" in the mid-1800s, will also have their own area during the event.  Re-enactors portraying President and Mrs. Lincoln will stroll the grounds. 

 

Ø      Participants will tell stories and play period music around the campfires from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 5, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the camaraderie.

 

Ø      The campsites are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7.

 

Ø      A Lincoln art exhibit by artist Thomas Trimborn will be displayed inside the Old State Capitol. 

 

Ø      Numerous programs related to the Civil War and civilian life during the 1860s are scheduled during the weekend. 

 

Ø      Handcrafted bottled fizzes will be available for purchase from Pop Jack's Root Beer on Saturday.

 

Ø      Guests may join re-enactors for dinner by purchasing food from Hickory River Smokehouse on-site Saturday during afternoon and evening hours.  

 

Ø      Period music will play Saturday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. by the New Century Orchestra, and dancing demonstrations and lessons will be provided by the Springfield International Folk Dancers. 

 

A detailed schedule of events follows.

 

·                    Illinois Civil War Flags by Dr. John Schmale, 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

·                    Ladies' 19^th Century Style Show, 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

·                    "A Woman's Work Was Never Done" by Nancy Torgerson, 11 a.m.

·                    Period music by Cathy Stenbach, flutist, 11 a.m.; period music by Missouri Compromise, noon and 3 p.m.

·                    Drill Demonstration by 114^th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

·                    President Lincoln (portrayed by Max Daniels) discusses the causes and effects of the Civil War, 1 p.m.

·                    33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band presents "History Through Music" 1:30 p.m.

·                    Abraham Lincoln: New Salem to Springfield Puppet Show, 2:30 p.m.

·                    1860s Clothing Program by Nancy Torgerson, 3:30 p.m.

·                    President Lincoln (portrayed by Max Daniels) discusses the Gettysburg Address, 4 p.m.

·                    Flag Retreat Ceremony on the lawn, 5 p.m.

·                    Dinner on the Lawn, 5:30 p.m.

·                    Period music by the New Century Orchestra, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

·                    Dancing demonstrations and lessons by Springfield International Folk Dancers, 6 to 8 p.m.

 

·                    1800s Faith Service in Representatives Hall by John Lichauer, with period hymns by the Old Capitol Chorale, 11 a.m.

·                    Abraham Lincoln: New Salem to Springfield Puppet Show, noon.

·                    Mississippi Thespians Living History (high school age re-enactors from the Quincy, Illinois area), 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

·                    Drill Demonstration by 114^th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 2 p.m.

·                    Closing remarks by President Lincoln (portrayed by Max Daniels), 2:30 p.m.