Fort Ward Hosts Civil War Recruiting Day

Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site is presenting Civil War Recruiting Day — a perfect time to learn about Civil War reenacting.

The free event will be held Feb. 9 when soldiers and civilians of the 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry, Company K, will be on hand between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to talk about period clothing and equipment, demonstrate drills, and explain the variety of roles that military and civilian interpreters can portray.

Visitors can also inquire about how to join local reenactment units and learn what kind of clothing and equipment a novice reenactor requires. The snow date is Feb. 23.

Nearly 50,000 men, women and children across the United States enjoy the hobby of Civil War reenacting. As individuals, couples and families, reenactors take on the roles of persons who fought as soldiers between 1861 and 1865, or who were part of the civilian homefront.

In addition to learning more about their national heritage, reenactors can employ dramatic and interpretive skills, converse with the public, and perform activities such as campfire cooking, drilling, needlework, medical care and setting up camp.

Reenactors can pose as soldiers, clergy, politicians, laborers, doctors, farmers, merchants, sailors, journalists, photographers, schoolchildren, or civilians from almost any 19th-century walk of life.

Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site is located at 4301 West Braddock Rd. in the City of Alexandria.