The sound of canon 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 hosted in conjunction with 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. The Battle of Shiloh was fought April 6-7, 1862 in southwestern Tennessee. 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. The battle 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 various 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 of events includes: 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 the battle times are different on Saturday and Sunday with Saturday’s being at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday’s being 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). All visitors must park at the Blackstone-Millville Regional High School. After purchasing tickets at the high school, visitors will be transported to Daniels Farmstead by shuttle bus. The shuttle buses 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 also be available for purchase. Due to the use of canons and horses during the reenactment there will be absolutely no pets allowed. The event is rain or shine.
Daniels Famstead 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 visit us on facebook.
UPTON DAILY 