Civil War Living History Encampment in Easton

Company F of the 14th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry The Historical Society of Easton is celebrating the 151st Anniversary of the Civil War on Saturday, July 21st from 10 AM to 3 PM with a Civil War Encampment Day at the Bradley-Hubbell House located at 535 Black Rock Turnpike, Easton. The Encampment will consist of soldiers and civilian re-enactors from Company F of the 14th Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry that will portray the original 14th CVI's daily life and activities. Of all the regiments Connecticut sent to the Union armies in the Civil War, the most famous was the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. The regiment marched and fought with Lincoln's Army, the Army of the Potomac and participated in 34 battles and skirmishes. The 14th Connecticut lost more men killed in battle, in proportion to its size, and captured more prisoners, cannon and battle flags than any other Connecticut regiment. The re-enactment will provide a glimpse into the daily life of the 14th CVI starting with a military drill and firing demonstrations, preparation for the noon meal on an open fire pit as well as a presentation of camp skills such as rifle loading, knapsack and blanket rolling. Civilian women will present how the home front helped the North win the war and demonstrate medical care and family life during the conflict. Additionally, period children's games will run throughout the day. Music of the period will be highlighted at 1 PM with vocal pieces led by Jen Eastman – Lawrence that depict the popular mood and sentiment of the antebellum, war-time and post- Civil War periods. Following the musical performance, a brief discussion by Jeff Lawrence about the origins of modern baseball will take place. "The Massachusetts Game", one variant codified in 1858, will be demonstrated on the Bradley-Hubbell grounds and open to public participation! A popular misconception of the Civil War is that exclusively white Anglo-Saxons fought it, but many ethnic groups took part in this great struggle. However, few people are aware that the Chinese were among them and the highest ranking of those, Joseph Pierce, fought with the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Irving Moy will present a program about Pierce's Civil War experience along with Gary Horton, retired teacher and historian. Company F is unique in offering both the military and civilian aspects of the Civil War Era. For more information about them visit their web site: www.cof14thcvi.com. Admission to the daylong event is $5.00 per person. About the Easton Historical Society The program's sponsor, The Historical Society of Easton manages two historic properties: the Adams Schoolhouse (c. 1850) and the Bradley-Hubbell House and Farmstead (c. 1816) listed on the National Register. For more information call the Society at (203) 261-2090. www.historicalsocietyofeastonct.org. For area information visit www.visitwesternct.com

Litchfield Historical Society’s Civil War Exhibition, Opens in April 14 – Nov. 25

Litchfield History Museum

Opening April 14, 2012, the Litchfield Historical Society’s new exhibition The Hour of Conflict will examine the ways in which the American Civil War im­pacted the residents of Litchfield, Con­necticut in the 1860s. This fascinating exhibit will run through November 25th.

Although no battles occurred in Con­necticut, local Litchfield families were directly affected by the events of the Civil War. Men departed town to enlist in the Union army, leaving their families behind to worry and wonder, waiting for a letter to make its way from a campground or battlefield. Women spent their time sewing clothing, wrapping bandages, and sending packages to their loved ones on the front lines. How did Litch­field families deal with the anxiety of war? How did they mourn, celebrate and cope?

The Litchfield Historical Society in­vites visitors and families of all ages to examine these questions through let­ters, diaries, photographs, and artifacts from the Historical Society’s collec­tions. Articles carried by local soldiers, everyday objects used by Litchfield’s children, and items related to Dr. Josiah Gale Beckwith and the Litchfield Peace Movement are just some of the col­lection pieces that will be highlighted. Visitors will also have the chance to view Civil War uniforms thanks to the Museum of Connecticut History and the Cornwall Historical Society.

The exhibit will also incorporate hands-on activities and the opportunity to ex­perience camp life as Litchfield’s men did more than a century and a half ago. Students of the Litchfield Montessori School will act as Junior Curators to re­search, design, and create a special por­tion of the exhibition.

The Hour of Conflict will run through the 2012 and 2013 seasons at the Litchfield History Museum, located at 7 South Street in Litchfield. There will be a special exhibition opening for members on Friday, April 13 at 6:30 pm following this year’s Annual Meeting. The exhibition will open to the public on April 14. For more information visit www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org or call (860) 567-4501. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 to 5 and Sunday 1-5. The admission costs are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, students, and children over 14. Members, law students, and children under 14 are free. These prices include the cost of admission to the Tapping Reeve House and Law School.