Framingham History Center Hosting Civil War Encampment

Shake hands with President Lincoln and learn what it was like to be a Confederate or Union soldier, as the Framingham History Center will bring a Civil War encampment to Framingham this weekend.

The free, family-friendly historical weekend take places Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 4 from 9 to 3 p.m.

“We are creating a Sturbridge Village-type atmosphere here in Framingham this weekend,” said Framingham History Center Executive Director Annie Murphy, but from the time period of the 1860s.

There will be a tin smith and a blacksmith, on the Centre Common along with Confederate and Union camps, explained Jennifer Toth. And there will be pottery and spinning wheel demonstrations, too.

There also will be Troop drills and cannon demonstrations.

Visitors will have a chance to learn about the way of life during the Civil War, and meet Framingham hero General George H. Gordon, President Lincoln, Julia Ward Howe, and others characters.

There is a special Civil War dance planned for Saturday night. That is the only event that requires admission. Everything else is free. The dance is Oct. 3 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in Village Hall. Admission is $25.

And there are lots of activities planned for children, including an American Girl Addy-themed scavenger hunt.

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Originally posted on Monday, Sept. 28. Updated for Tuesday’s newsletter.