Civil War Re-enactors bring history to life at Museum Village on Sept. 3-4

Monroe —- On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4, visitors will find them whisked back in time as Museum Village will once again be taken over by the Union and Confederate armies. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the historic camps of both the Union and Confederate Soldiers and ask all the questions about their lifestyle, weapons and the food they ate. You will also witness a demonstration of standard Civil War tactics and troop movements as the two armies meet near the quiet hamlet of Smith’s Clove. The Sutlers, who were the merchants that provided goods to the soldiers, will be selling their 19th Century style merchandise to the public. This year, in addition the re-enactment, the museum will present a special exhibit of civil war artifacts provided by the N.Y.S. Chapter of the Son’s of Union Soldiers. These treasures, along with some of the museum’s collection, will be located in the Changing Exhibits Building near the gift shop. There will also be a special showing of videos produced by Belle Grove Publishing. These will include “Echoes of the Blue and Gray”and the “Gettysburg Reunion Video” that has film from the 1938 reunion of the Blue and Gray as well as other short films of the day. For those that have never seen our Civil War veterans walking and talking, dancing with their comrades, shaking hands over the stone wall and recreating the Rebel Yell, these are priceless moments. And of course, there is the blacksmith, the potter, the printer, the broom maker and the candle maker working at their trades. Museum Village is a living history museum preserving a vast collection of eclectic, 19th century artifacts for educational purposes. Using these artifacts and reproductions, we provide hands-on experiences and exhibits illustrating the transition from a rural to an industrial culture and economy in America, provoking thought and discussion about history. If you go Civil War Re-enactors bring history to life at Museum Village on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4 Hours are Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those interested, there is a contra dance on Saturday evening for the re-enactors. The general public ($5 entrance fee and limited to 50 people) will be allowed to 2-step as long as they are in Civil War-era clothing. Sunday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also on Sunday morning at 10, Father Dave will be holding Mass. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and children under 12 (children under 4 are free). Advance tickets may be purchased on line at the Museum Village Web site (www.museumvillage.org) For more information, e-mail info@museumvillage.org or call 845-782-8247/8248.