Ohio Statehouse to Hold Civil War Encampment

press release
Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, 2008 on the Lawn of the Statehouse
See you at the People’s House!

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY - 1st Ohio Statehouse Light Artillery, Battery A Civil War re-enactors will offer living history lessons during an 1860s-era encampment of Union Army Troops on the West lawn of the Ohio Statehouse; Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  This event is free and open to the public.  The events will recreate proceedings very similar to the actual camp life at the Statehouse during the Civil War.  Union Army Troops used the Ohio Statehouse grounds and interior as they awaited their orders to depart for combat between 1861 and 1864 at the height of the American Civil War.

The Statehouse Encampment will educate visitors about Ohio’s role in the Civil War and foster interest in the study of Ohio and American history through living history activities. Encampment activities will include interactive talks, demonstrations, ceremonies; and reenactments of camp and civilian life in mid-19th century America. These activities will take place at the Ohio Statehouse and will involve the safe use and demonstration of four original Civil War cannons that reside on the Statehouse grounds. Civil War cannon firing demonstrations will take place every hour on the hour beginning at 9 a.m. both days.

There will be special crafts and activities for children.  Visitors of all ages may observe or join in games such as hoops and graces, tug-of-war, jump rope, croquet and other traditional leisure activities often pursued in Victorian times.

Battery A exists to serve the state of Ohio and its citizens by being accomplished living history educators and the best Civil War artillery unit in the United States. Battery A’s mission is to promote the Ohio Statehouse and its identity as a site of civic involvement, education and visitation; and also to promote awareness of state government and the state legislature.  Battery A is an extension of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board and the Statehouse Education & Visitors Center. 

A 30 second PSA promoting the event can be viewed at www.ohiostatehouse.org.

Direct Link: http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/multimedia/videos.cfm?file_id=110708