The Museum Is open 9 am - 3 pm
14653 E. Park St. Burton, OH 44021
Immerse Yourself in Culture and History
Stay tuned for a myriad of engaging and enriching experiences on the horizon. Explore our upcoming events page to discover a vibrant tapestry of cultural festivities, educational programs, and community gatherings waiting to captivate your imagination at the Geauga County Historical Society & Century Village Museum
Civil War Living History Weekend
May 23 10:00 am - May 24 5:00 pm
★ Century Village Museum Presents ★
Civil War Encampment & Living History Weekend 2026
Watch History Come Alive!
🌧️☀️ Rain or Shine!
This event will proceed as scheduled regardless of weather conditions. Please dress appropriately and come prepared for outdoor activities.
Dates: May 23 & 24, 2026 | Saturday & Sunday
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 14653 East Park St · Burton, OH 44021
★ ENTRANCE FEE IS DONATION ONLY — PLEASE BE GENEROUS! ★
Explore daily life of Civil War soldiers and civilians. Walk through encampments and chat with the soldiers and their families. Watch thrilling battle reenactments. Listen to riveting speakers. Kids activities galore. Historical buildings open to tour. Delicious food vendors!
Educational. Interactive. Unforgettable.
★ Activities Both Days ★
- Battle Reenactments: Watch thrilling Civil War battle reenactments narrated by General James A. Garfield — both days at 1:30PM on the fields behind Maple Museum.
- Walking Tour with James A. Garfield: Go on a walking tour around Century Village seeing everyday life and a soldier’s camps. Bump into very interesting characters along the way — hang on to your wallets!
- Cavalry Demonstration: See & hear Miriam Froman & her beautiful Egyptian Arabian horse talk about the Cavalry, weapons, tack & more — behind Auburn Church.
- Civil War Medical Compound: Experience firsthand soldiers’ triage, surgery, recovery, sanitary commissions & more. Don’t watch if you have a weak stomach!
- Apothecary — Civil War Medicine: Lori Danforth & Kitty Freeze in the Apothecary talking about Civil War medicine & home front remedies using everyday plants.
- Historic Buildings Open to Tour: Our iconic historical buildings are open! Maple Museum, Historic Buildings, and the Gun Room at Hickox House.
- Civil War Sutler & General Store: Come see & shop at an authentic Civil War Sutler, unique vendors & the Crossroads General Store.
- Sheauga Quilters & Artifact Exhibit: Live quilting demonstration & raffle of the epic 2026 quilt! Plus, a special exhibit by John Sites next to the Field Hospital.
- Kids Activities Galore!: Our famous Barrel Train, Civil War Photo Op with attire & weapons, Corn Box, Bubbles, Coloring Activities, Bouncy Houses & MORE!
★ SATURDAY, MAY 23 — SCHEDULE ★
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30–9:30 AM | Walk-In Registration for Reenactors | Crossroads Store |
| ★ 10:00 AM | Gates Open — Opening Ceremony & Flag Raising — Dress Parade to Church | Flag Circle |
| 10:30 AM | Military Drills | Battlefield behind Maple Museum |
| 10:30–11:30 AM | Guided Walking Tour with Major James A. Garfield (Benjamin Frayser) | Crossroads Store |
| 10:30–11:15 AM | “Connivers in Corsets” — Female Spies & Smugglers (Barbara Toncheff) | Church Upstairs |
| 11:20 AM–12 PM | CVM Aid Society — Tea Etiquette & Quiz served with Cookies | Church Downstairs |
| 12:00–12:40 PM | Civil War Ladies Fashion Show (Cynda Sites) | Church Downstairs |
| 12:00–1:00 PM | Crooked River Fife & Drum — Live Performance | Parkman Bandstand |
| 12:45–1:15 PM | North & South Civil War Fashions (Jan Lauer) | Church Upstairs |
| ★ 1:30 PM | CIVIL WAR BATTLE REENACTMENT — Narrated by General James A. Garfield | Fields behind Maple Museum |
| 2:00 PM | Civil War Music — Uhl Vintage Music Duo | CVM Food Booth Pavilion |
| 2:15–2:30 PM | After Battle Q&A with Commanders (Skip Wilson & Rick Bouwhuis) | Battlefield |
| 2:45–3:30 PM | Amputations & Medical Care for the Wounded | Field Hospital — Law House |
| 2:45–3:35 PM | African American Involvement & Duties — Frederick Douglas (Herbert Burns) | In the Church |
| ★ 3:45–4:45 PM | Conversation on the War — Abraham Lincoln & Jefferson Davis (John King & David Walker) | Church Upstairs |
| ★ 7:00–9:00 PM | CIVIL WAR BALL — Free & Fun! Caller: Cynda Sites · Donations Appreciated · Attire Welcome! | Lennah Bond Activity Building |
★ SUNDAY, MAY 24 — SCHEDULE ★
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| ★ 9:30–10:15 AM | Auburn Church Service — All Welcome! Civil War Songbird Diane Virostko performs | Auburn Church |
| 10:15 AM–12:15 PM | The Niehus Sisters Trio — Live Musical Performance | CVM Food Booth Pavilion |
| ★ 10:30–10:50 AM | Civil War Songbird — Diane Virostko · A’Capella Civil War music, Patriotic Hymns | Auburn Church Upstairs |
| 10:30–11:30 AM | Guided Walking Tour with Major James A. Garfield (Benjamin Frayser) | Crossroads Store |
| 10:30–11:15 AM | Amputation & Medical Care (Pat & Barb Emig) | Field Hospital |
| 11:00–11:45 AM | “Hell on the Homefront” — Educational talk, not to miss! (Diane Peterson) | Church Upstairs |
| ★ 12:00–12:30 PM | “Ever Your James” — 1st Lady Lucretia Garfield reads letters from her husband | Church Upstairs |
| 12:30–1:00 PM | Update on the War — James A. Garfield (Benjamin Frayser) | Church Upstairs |
| ★ 1:30 PM | CIVIL WAR BATTLE REENACTMENT — Narrated by General James A. Garfield | Fields behind Maple Museum |
| 2:15–2:30 PM | After Battle Q&A with Commanders (Skip Wilson & Rick Bouwhuis) | Battlefield |
| 2:45–3:40 PM | “Life & Legacy of William Clark Quantrill” — Confederate Bushwacker (Jim Crowl) | Church Upstairs |
| ★ 3:45–4:45 PM | GRAND FINALE — Abraham Lincoln & Jefferson Davis Conversation | Church Upstairs |
FOOD VENDORS
DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT WATCHING CALORIES!
Cajun Smoked Alligator Sausage · Delicious Donuts (to die for!) · Pulled Pork · Loaded Fries · Bacon Chicken Wraps · Mac & Cheese · Italian Sausage · Pork Rinds · Hot Dogs · French Fries · Funnel Cakes · Drinks Galore & so much more!
Civil War Era Tavern — featuring Beer & Wine!
A HUGE THANK YOU to all our incredible volunteers, speakers, reenactors, and vendors who make this possible. You are deeply appreciated!
Guest speaker fees generously donated by the Burton Historic District Association.
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