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Community Corner

Civil War Encampment at the HSRC

The Historical Society of Rockland County Invites You to a Weekend of Living History ...


with the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers, Company B

"Come out and join us if you're interested in history or just plain fun!"

This family-friendly living history weekend is hosted by the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers, Company B, a local Civil War unit whose members portray typical Army of the Potomac soldiers during the Civil War. The reenactors will set up camp on the HSRC grounds and provide demonstrations of soldiers' life in the 19th century.

The encampment is open to the public 12-4 pm each day.

Displays of Civil War artifacts, as well as engaging hands-on activities for families with children, will be offered to help visitors learn more about this important era in American history. In addition, the Jacob Blauvelt House will be open for tours. 

The 2nd Rhode Island, Company B, organization was founded in 1984. Its members chose to portray the 2nd Rhode Island because the unit mustered into federal service in June 1861 and served until the end of the war. The 2nd Rhode Island was present at all of the major battles on the East Coast.

Admission to the encampment is $5 per adult, $1 per child (children under 3 are free); all proceeds benefit the HSRC's educational activities!

The Civil War Encampment with the 2nd Rhode Island, Company B, is presented in conjunction with LINCOLN AND NEW YORK, a panel exhibition from the New-York Historical Society that probes the myths and controversies surrounding Abraham Lincoln.  Original research explores New York’s influence on the Civil War, the impact of emancipation, and the promotion of Lincoln’s persona as he evolved from an obscure Illinois politician to a national martyr. Visitors who think they know everything about Lincoln will be startled to see so much that is new.

The panels will be complemented by items from the HSRC’s permanent collection, together with artifacts on loan from other local history organizations. These rarely seen objects highlight Rockland County’s connection to Lincoln and illustrate Rockland’s contribution to the Civil War.

LINCOLN AND NEW YORK has been made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The exhibition will be open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 12–4 pm, from April 6 to June 15.

To learn more about the Civil War Encampment, visit the website at http://www.rocklandhistory.org/event.cfm?page=365.
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