Civil War Encampment & Reenactment
Step Back in Time at Century Village Museum!

Dates: May 24 & 25, 2025
Location: Century Village Museum

Immerse yourself in history during our annual Civil War Encampment & Reenactment! Witness gripping battles, explore authentic military camps, and interact with reenactors portraying soldiers, civilians, and medical personnel from the 1860s. This family-friendly event brings the past to life with hands-on activities, artillery demonstrations, and stories from one of America’s defining eras.

Highlights Include:

• Battle Reenactments: Thrilling skirmishes showcasing tactics and weaponry of the era.
• Living History Camps: Wander through Union and Confederate camps to learn about soldiers’ daily lives.
• Period Crafts & Trades: Watch blacksmithing, candle-making, and other 19th-century skills.
• Civil War Medicine: Discover era-specific medical practices and tools.
• Kids’ Activities: Try on uniforms, participate in drills, and enjoy old-fashioned games.
• Grand Evening Ball & Dinner (6:00PM – 10:00 PM): Cap off your day with an elegant 1860s-style evening! Don period attire (optional), enjoy a traditional dinner, and dance to live music under the stars. Separate ticket required.

Meet:  

• Major General and Mrs. James A. Garfield
• Major General William Tecumseh Sherman
• Major General Winfield Scott Hancock
• President Jefferson Davis and Vice President Alexander Stephens
• More to be added.

•   Connivers in Corsets by Barbara Toncheff
•   Ladies’ Tea featuring Mrs. Lucretia Garfield and her peers.
•   Civil War Trivia for Kids
•   Civil War Trivia for Adults
•   Presentation by General and Mrs. Garfield
•   Flags of the Civil War
•   Music by the Civil War Songbird.

•   Flags of the Civil War Display
•   Community History Book Exchange
•   Student Gallery of Poetry, Art, Music, Short Stories
•   Displays by Civil War-related organizations
•   Visit the Geauga County America 250 Information Booth

Ticket Prices:

• Adults (11+): $12
• Kids (4–10): $6
• Kids Under 3: FREE
  Daytime event tickets available online or at the gate. Proceeds support Century Village Museum’s preservation efforts.

Plan Your Visit:

• Daytime Hours: Gates open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM each day. Battle reenactments occur at scheduled times (check website for details).
• Evening Ball & Dinner: Begins at 6:00 PM. Advance registration recommended— Download the registration form for ticket info and attire guidelines.
• Bring a camera! Photo opportunities abound with reenactors in period attire.
• Food vendors and museum exhibits onsite during daytime hours.

Civil War Grand Evening Ball & Dinner:

Join us for an elegant evening at the Civil War Grand Evening Ball & Dinner. Tickets are $35 per adult.

Reenactors dressed in uniform or appropriate period attire are eligible for a discounted rate of $25. All tickets include dinner and live music featuring a caller to guide the dances.

Time & Date: Saturday, May 24th | 6:00PM – 10:00PM

Geauga County Historical Society
40th Anniversary Civil War Weekend

Schedule of Events: Saturday, May 24, 2025

White Tent

• All Day – Children’s Civil War Activities
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Musical Performance: The Raccoon County Ramblers
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Civil War Trivia “Game Show”
• 2:30 – 3:30 PM – Brigadier General Rufus Ingalls — portrayed by Dr. Michael Trapasso
• 3:30 – 4:30 PM – Major General William T. Sherman — portrayed by Kris Gunvalsen

Auburn Church

• 10:30 – 11:30 AM – Connivers in Corsets — presented by Barbara Toncheff
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – General Winfield Scott Hancock — portrayed by Brian P. Burtka
• 12:30 – 1:30 PM – Author Talk — Kim Villava
• 2:30 – 3:30 PM – Musical Performance: The Civil War Songbird — Diane Virostko
• 3:30 – 4:30 PM – A Conversation About the War with Presidents Abraham Lincoln (John King) and Jefferson Davis (David Walker)

Parkman Bandstand

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Musical Performance: Crooked River Fifes and Drums

Century Village Grounds

• 11:30 AM – Guided Camp Tour with Major General James A. Garfield — portrayed by Benjamin Frayser
• 1:30 – 2:30 PM – CIVIL WAR BATTLE
• 2:30 – 3:30 PM – Flags of the Civil War Walking Tour — Professor Andrew Mizsak

Lennah Bond Activity Building

• All Day – Special Exhibit: 160 Images of Abraham Lincoln
• 6:00 PM – Civil War Ball and Dinner ($25 for those in uniform or period attire, $35 for civilian attire)

Special Exhibits and Features (All Day)

• James A. Garfield on Postage Stamps — Depot
• Community Book Exchange — Apple Butter Green near the Sutler Tent

Schedule of Events: Sunday, May 25, 2025

White Tent

• All Day – Children’s Civil War Activities
• 9:00 – 9:45 AM – Church Service — Rev. Dr. Skip Wilson
• 10:30 – 11:30 AM – Author Talk — Kim Villava
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – General William T. Sherman — portrayed by Kris Gunvalsen
• 2:30 – 3:30 PM – Flags of the Civil War — Professor Andrew Mizsak
• 3:30 – 4:30 PM – Civil War Trivia “Game Show”

Auburn Church

• 10:30 – 11:30 AM – A Conversation About the War with Presidents Abraham Lincoln (John King) and Jefferson Davis (David Walker)
• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Connivers in Corsets — presented by Barbara Toncheff
• 12:30 – 1:15 PM – Major General/Congressman James A. Garfield — portrayed by Benjamin Frayser
• 2:30 – 3:30 PM – Musical Performance: The Civil War Songbird — Diane Virostko
• 3:30 – 4:30 PM – A Couple’s Life During the War: James and Lucretia Garfield — Benjamin Frayser and Anita F. Benedetti

Auburn Church Basement

• 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Ladies’ Tea with Mrs. Garfield (Anita F. Benedetti) and guests

Pavilion on the Apple Butter Green

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Musical Performance: The Raccoon County Ramblers

Century Village Grounds

• 10:30 AM – The Life of a Young Officer — presented by Jack Stilliton (Apple Butter Green)
• 11:30 AM – Guided Camp Tour with Major General James A. Garfield — portrayed by Benjamin Frayser
• 1:30 – 2:30 PM – CIVIL WAR BATTLE

Special Exhibits and Features (All Day)

• 160 Images of Abraham Lincoln — Lennah Bond Activity Center
• James A. Garfield on Postage Stamps — Depot
• Community Book Exchange — Apple Butter Green near the Sutler Tent

Don’t Miss This Journey Into History!
Secure your daytime tickets today at centuryvillagemuseum.org.

Century Village Museum: Where History Lives!

If you want to be part of the Re-enactment as Staff, please click here, and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!