Re-Enactors Bring Civil War History to Life at Greenfield Village

Editor's note: This press release was submitted by The Henry Ford.

Transport yourself back to a pivotal time in the nation’s history as Greenfield Village transforms into 1860s America during its Civil War Remembrance event May 25-27.

Join more than 450 re-enactors as they re-create Union, Confederate and civilian encampments, perform military tactical demonstrations, and offer dramatic presentations.

The Civil War Remembrance event is officially endorsed by the Michigan Historical Commission’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee.

Honor the sacrifices and achievements of those who have bravely fought and continue to fight in defense of America during a moving commemoration presented by historian William Hendricks on May 27 at noon on the village green. The Henry Ford will also participate in a national moment of silence on that day at 3 p.m. as signaled by the Armington & Sims shop whistle.

As you make your way through the military and civilian camps get inspired by the stories shared by the soldiers and civilians who witnessed the way from the home front. See artifacts from the Civil War inside the village pavilion including original military items, clothing worn during that time and original artillery pieces from the First Michigan Light Artillery.

Special presentations will be delivered by historians and experts from Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Guests to the event this year will see items from the collections of The Henry Ford, including photographs of Henry Ford’s uncles, who fought with the 24^th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Also on display will be an 1890 oil painting of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade Monument at Gettysburg, and an ornate jacket Robert Hendershot wore when he played his military drum at veterans events in the 1880s and 1890s. This Civil War veteran used his savvy promotional skills to garner fame as the legendary, brave “Drummer Boy of the Rappahannock.”

As part of the weekend’s activities, trace your family tree to the battlegrounds with Civil War historian Dale R. Niesen or create a souvenir ribbon rosette at Edison Homestead.

Join the battle by “enlisting” at the recruiting office located at the Phoenixville Post Office and receive a reproduction volunteer enlistment paper. Stay until 9 p.m. on Saturday and take in the sounds of the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, America’s premier 19^th-century brass ensemble, performing outside town hall near the village green.

Admission to Civil War Remembrance is free with membership, or $24 for adults, $22 for seniors 62 and up and $17.50 for youth 5-12. Children ages 4 and under are free. For more information, call 313-982-6001 or visit http://www.thehenryford.org/events/civilWarRemembrance.aspx.