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The longest running Civil War reenactment on Long Island returns to the the Islip Grange in Sayville this Saturday and Sunday.
Civil War Weekend, hosted by Co. K, 67th New York Infantry, The First Long Island Volunteers, gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like in the 1860s. Reenactors portraying the Union Blue and the Confederate Gray will conduct artillery demonstrations, engage in street fighting and carry out battle preparations.
“We give the local community an opportunity to learn all aspects of life during the American Civil War,” said Co. K’s Max Kenny (Lt. William Kent). “We ‘living historians’ are enthusiastic in teaching the public. This is a family-friendly event where you can visit the camps and the hospital, witness battles, listen to period music and interact with us for a one-on-one experience.”
Kenny noted that it’s critical for the United States to not forget its own history. In particular, its bloodiest war.
“We volunteer our free time and resources to teach Americans so that the sacrifices of our ancestors will not have been in vain,” he said. “And we hope to inspire visitors to learn more and become engaged in preserving our national history.”
Here’s what else you need to know about the 11th annual Civil War Weekend:
• Parking and admission are free
• Things kick off Saturday at 10 a.m. when camp life opens. Visitors are free to roam the property and take in the wide array of exhibits.
• The most popular demonstrations are the battles. One takes place each day— 3 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
• The muskets used by the reenactors do go “bang,” but they are completely safe. Bullets are not used.
• The event takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.
• The public is also welcome to attend a flag retirement ceremony and memorial service in the Union Camp at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and to listen to period music playing in the gazebo in the Union Camp at 7:50 p.m. on Saturday.
• Joining Co. K, 67th New York Infantry, will be Co. C, the 9th Virginia; Co. B, the 30th Virginia; Co. H, the 14th Brooklyn; the 6th New York Independent Battery; Lee’s Light Artillery; the Sons and Daughter of Union Veterans, and representatives of the Town of Islip
Below is a complete schedule of the attractions at Civil War Weekend:
SATURDAY
10 a.m. – Camp life opens. Feel free to walk about and visit the various exhibits.
Noon – Camp life and commissary meals served to Union and Confederate soldiers.
1 p.m. – Artillery demonstration in Union Camp.
1:15 p.m. – Skirmish and street fighting.
2 p.m. – Preparations in the camps for battle.
3 p.m. – Battle Begins (lasts about 40 minutes).
4 p.m. – Artillery demonstration in Union Camp.
4:15 p.m. – Sick call and medical demonstration at the Union Hospital – dinner preparations in the camps.
4:55 p.m. Artillery demonstration in Union Camp.
6 p.m. – Dinner in camps served to Union and Confederate soldiers.
7:30 p.m. – Flag retirement ceremony and memorial service – Union Camp (0pen to public).
7:50 p.m. – Period music at the Gazebo – Union Camp (open to public).
9:00 pm: ‘Tattoo’ – public program ends for the evening (camps close to public).
SUNDAY
10 a.m. – Camp life opens. Feel free to walk about and visit the various exhibits.
10:15 a.m. – Recruit and drilling demonstration.
10:55 a.m. – Artillery demonstration in Union Camp.
11:15 a.m. Civil War era church service in the chapel (approximately 30 minutes).
11:55 a.m. Artillery demonstration in Union Camp.
Noon – Camp life and commissary meals served to Union and Confederate soldiers.
12:30 p.m. Preparations in the camps for battle.
1 p.m. Battle Begins (about 40 minutes).
2:15 p.m. Sick call and medical demonstration at the Union Hospital.
2:55 p.m. Artillery demonstration in Union Camp.
3:15 p.m. Program Ends. Camps closed.
