textileowl: (Default)
textileowl ([personal profile] textileowl) wrote2009-04-22 01:43 pm

Free this Saturday morning?

Anyone want to go visit the Statehouse this Saturday?

The year-long Ohio Statehouse Lincoln Bicentennial celebration continues with a two-day Civil War encampment on the Statehouse lawn, April 24 and 25. 1st Ohio 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 both days from 9 a.m. until 3 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.

A special visit by our nation's 16th president will take place on Friday, April 24. A one-hour presentation will be given on the West steps of the Statehouse at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Abraham Lincoln re-enactor, Pete Raymond of Wooster, will tell the story of Lincoln's life from birth to assassination in character as the 16th president.

Pete Raymond has an uncanny resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. To the delight of all who see him, his exceptional portrayal of honest Abe brings history to life. Visitors will hear Mr. Lincoln's personal testimony of the heart-wrenching trials of his presidency and the Civil War. After his presentation, the program will conclude with a question and answer session.

On Saturday, April 25, the Ohio Statehouse will open at 9 a.m. for free tours. Visitors are encouraged to "come into the People's House" and take a tour of one of the most significant architectural accomplishments of the early republic. Restored to its 1861 appearance, the Ohio Statehouse maintains its historic character as it continues to function as the center of state government in Ohio. The Statehouse Museum Shop will be open for business. Also on Saturday, the first 350 individuals to attend the Encampment will receive a commemorative Lincoln Bicentennial publication entitled, "A New Birth of Freedom." The 138 page full-color publication honors our nation's 16th President.

As part of the year-long Lincoln Bicentennial celebration, the Statehouse Civil War Encampment will educate visitors about Ohio's role in the Civil War during Lincoln's presidency and foster interest in the study of Ohio and American history through living history experiences. Encampment activities will include interactive talks, demonstrations, ceremonies; and re-enactments 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 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.

During the two-day encampment, visitors will have the opportunity to sign an enormous interactive Abraham Lincoln birthday card that will be on display on the West steps of the Ohio Statehouse. The centerpiece of this unique display will be an expansive portrait of Abraham Lincoln painted by Lincoln artist Wendy Allen. The painting will be surrounded by numerous horizontal panels on which people can sign their names, just as they would a birthday card. By signing the card, each visitor participates in the bicentennial celebration—while leaving their own mark on history. The birthday card will be on display at the re-dedication of the Lincoln Memorial ceremony this summer in Washington, D.C. More information about the Lincoln birthday card can be found at: www.happybirthdayalincoln.com.

In the event of inclement weather, the encampment will be moved indoors to the Statehouse Rotunda, Atrium and Crypt.

The Ohio Statehouse has joined the national movement to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln which occurred on February 12, 1809. The Ohio Statehouse will host a variety of special events, re-enactments and exhibits throughout 2009.

Two centuries after Lincoln's birth, the Ohio Statehouse continues to educate its visitors on the three historic visits by this great leader. The Ohio Statehouse Bicentennial commemoration of Lincoln's life and legacy provides a bright beacon in carrying on the legacy of our nation's 16th president.

Through educational programs, public forums, arts projects and special events, the Ohio Statehouse Lincoln Bicentennial will provide an opportunity for all Ohioans to learn about our nation's 16th President and the struggles he endured to hold the nation together.

Detailed information about each of the Lincoln Bicentennial special events is available at www.ohiostatehouse.org.

To view a 30-second public service announcement about the Encampment, visit:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/multimedia/videos.cfm?file_id=118762.

High resolution images are available at http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/multimedia/photo_galleries/search_02.cfm?collection_id=107813&view_mode=Gallery.

To view this press release and others, visit www.ohiostatehouse.org.

About Lincoln Re-enactor, Pete Raymond
Pete Raymond's love for impersonating Abraham Lincoln has taken him across the eastern states since the year 2000. His presentations focus on the former president's life as he grew to adulthood, his leadership during the Civil War, and his love of the United States until his untimely and tragic death.

Raymond's likeness appears on the cover of a book entitled "Land of Lincoln" authored by Andrew Ferguson. In 2006, the Atlantic/Grove Publishing Company of New York chose Raymond as the one they thought looks most like Lincoln for their cover. The book is available in hardcover and paperback.

Raymond is a life member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters. This is an organization of over 170 portrayers of Lincoln from 35 states making presentations in first person, dressed in Lincoln-era attire. Members of the Association have been on C-SPAN in the Lincoln Douglas Debates re-enactment, in schools, churches, plays, movies, parades and celebrations throughout the world for more than a decade.

Civil War Encampment Activities
President Lincoln Re-enactor; Friday presentations.

Cannon firing demonstrations every hour on the hour by Artillerymen from 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A.

Infantry soldiers will teach students how to march and use a rifle. Students will use "Quaker guns" (wooden dummies.)

The Ladies Aid Society will donate home-made items to the Union soldiers. The ladies will be available to answer questions about clothing and living in the 1860s.

Games and activities for children will be demonstrated. Everyone is invited to join in and play "Hoops and Graces," tug-of-war and croquet, among other pastimes.

Medical practices of the Civil War will be showcased. Medicines and instruments will be on display.

Various historical persons (played by very talented re-enactors) will be on hand throughout the weekend.

Food of the soldiers' camp and camp life will be demonstrated with samples of hardtack and other foods.

Civil War Music will be played by musician Steve Ball for all to enjoy.

About 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A
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.

I'm not entirely sure how I want to get there. Easiest way would be by bus so I could avoid parking and having to get the flat fixed on my car. I'm thinking only a couple of hours, plenty of time to get back to other things people are planning for the afternoon.

What do you say?


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