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History Comes Alive: Civil War Reenactment Event Heads to Daniels Farmstead

Sep 29, 2016 06:00AM ● By Pamela Johnson
The sound of cannon fire, mounted cavalry, and muskets will break the still afternoon air on October 8 and 9 when Civil War reenactors take over Daniels Farmstead in Blackstone.
 
The two-day event, presented by Blackstone Valley Tech, Daniels Farmstead, and the 13th Mass Regiment Volunteer Infantry Company F, will give visitors the opportunity to experience first-hand a reenactment of one of the most turbulent times in American history.
 
“Valley Tech has earned a long-term reputation for vibrant and highly motivational learning. This partnership with Daniels Farmstead presents an excellent endeavor to build upon that track record,” said Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Superintendent-Director of Blackstone Valley Tech.
 
The two-day event will focus on the Battle of Shiloh, fought in southwestern Tennessee, April 6-7, 1862, when the Confederate army, led by General Albert Sidney Johnston, launched a surprise attack on Major General Ulysses S. Grant’s Union army. The Confederate soldiers were initially successful in their attack, but, unable to hold their positions, they were forced to retreat. Although the Union army won the battle, there were heavy losses on both sides – more than 23,000 total casualties.
 
The reenactment group will simulate the battle on both days of the event. It is expected to be approximately 40 minutes long, leaving visitors time to experience the other activities throughout the camps.
 
The visitors will have the opportunity to see the reenactors go through military drilling, a dress parade, and other aspects of camp life. There will also be military hospital demonstrations, which show what medicine was like during the Civil War and give visitors an understanding of how wounded soldiers were treated after battles. The “sutlers” camp will be available to visitors as well, where civilian merchants will sell reproduction period goods.
 
This event marks the third time a Civil War reenactment has been held at Daniels Farmstead. “The Daniels Farmstead Foundation is proud to have this event returning to this historic farmstead,” said Justine Southwick Brewer, President of the Daniels Farmstead Foundation.
 
The reenactment is a unique opportunity for teachers, students, and families to experience history. “The reenactment brings the Civil War to life and allows students to see it first-hand. It’s definitely better than showing them a movie because it’s more interactive and captures their attention more effectively,” said Megan Potenti, a Blackstone Valley Tech social studies teacher.
 
The schedule includes the following events: Saturday, October 8 – 9:00 a.m., camps open to the public; 10:00 a.m., battalion drill; 11:00 a.m., artillery demonstration; 2:00 p.m., battle reenactment with hospital demonstration following the battle; 3:00 p.m., artillery demonstration; 4:00 p.m., camps close. Sunday, October 9 – 10:00 a.m., camps open to the public; 11:00 a.m., artillery demonstration; 1:00 p.m., battle reenactment; 4:00 p.m., camps close. Please note that the battle times are different on Saturday and Sunday, Saturday’s at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday’s at 1:00 p.m.
 
Tickets for the event are $8 for adults; $6 for students, veterans, and seniors (a senior for the event is anyone over the age of 62); $4 for children 5 – 10 years old; and free for children under 5 years old. There is a $20 maximum ticket price per family.
 
Parking is available free of charge at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School (175 Lincoln Street, Blackstone). NOTE: All visitors must park there. After purchasing tickets at the high school, visitors will be transported to Daniels Farmstead by shuttle buses, which will begin pick-up at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. They will run every half-hour.
 
Concessions such as hot dogs, hamburger, veggie burgers, chips, drinks, and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase. Owing to the use of cannons and horses during the reenactment, absolutely no pets will be allowed. The event is rain or shine.
 
Daniels Farmstead is located at 286 Mendon Street, Blackstone, MA. All proceeds benefit the ongoing restoration projects at the Daniels Farmstead. For more information and updates visit www.danielsfarmstead.org and visit us on Facebook.
 
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, Blackstone Valley Tech creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.
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