History comes to life on Oct. 20-23 at Fresno County’s Kearney Park
Families from throughout the San Joaquin Valley will gather to experience living history from over 150 years ago when the Civil War Revisited comes to Kearney Park October 20-23. Now in its 27th year, Civil War Revisited is a true living history reenactment of Civil War-era military and civilian experiences, hosted by the Fresno Historical Society in partnership with the American Civil War Association.
The four-day event provides a truly authentic picture of the life and culture of the Civil War era of the United States. In addition to battle reenactments, the American Civil War Association reenactors provide an up-close first-person experience of what life was like 150 years ago, depicting Union and Confederate soldiers making camps and participating in skirmishes on the battlefield. Historic artisans prepare and describe their wares, musicians perform the tunes of the time, historical figures mingle with visitors — even Lincoln is present to recite the Gettysburg Address. In addition, vendors will sell snacks and refreshments, and in mercantile tents as well as a sutler marketplace authentic 1860s memorabilia, historical replicas, toys, games, books and candy will appeal to those with a desire to shop for unique items. This is the largest venue, longest-running Civil War reenactment west of the Mississippi River.
On Thursday, Oct. 20 and Friday, Oct. 21, 4,000 students from schools throughout Fresno, Tulare, Mariposa and Kings counties are expected to attend the event as part of the Time Travelers Education Program. The Program provides students with the opportunity to experience history first-hand by engaging with the “real people” of the Civil War. More than 30,000 study guides are distributed to students in the four-county region, complementing the historical experience. Persons interested in volunteering to help on these days can contact the Historical Society office at (559) 441-0862.
Families are urged to attend the public event on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Saturday evening, a period dance featuring a top-notch caller and dance-step instruction will be held on the grounds north of the Kearney Mansion Museum, which also will be open for tours during the weekend event.
Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday events are $10 per person; $5 for children ages 5-12; and 5 and under free. Reserved dining on the mansion veranda is available beginning at $500 for a table of eight. Saturday evening Soldiers’ Dinner tickets are priced at $22 for adults and $12 for children and include event admission and parking. Sponsorships are available both for the event and the Time Travelers Education Program. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit www.valleyhistory.org, or email: info@valleyhistory.org.
Sponsors of the four-day event include: Fresno Unified School District, Educational Employees Credit Union, Tulare County Office of Education, Fresno County Office of Education, Clovis Unified School District, Central Unified School District, abc30, iHeart Media, Granville Homes, Smittcamp Family Foundation, American Ambulance, B. Mello Ag Services, Baker Manock & Jensen, Bank of America, Bonner Family Foundation, Caglia Environmental, California Arts Academy, California Bank & Trust, Christopher Cross Photography, Classic Party Rentals, Constellation Brands, Donaghy Sales, The Fresno Bee, Fresno County Fire Department, Fresno County Parks, Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, Fresno Equipment Company, Garabedian Foundation, Gray Lift, Guarantee Real Estate, Lighting Resources, Office Depot/Office Max, Piccadilly Inn Shaw, Purity Organics, Tony’s Water Truck Rental, Sun-Maid Growers of California, Superior ATM, Wawona Frozen Foods, Yard Doctor and Yosemite Concessions.
