Lanier Days
Re-enactors
bring to life
events of another time
Demonstrations,
music,
artisans are among the offerings
Staff
Report
(June 2012) – Celebrate the life and culture
of early Victorian-era Madison, Ind., with thundering cannons during
Lanier Civil War Days on June 16-17. Experience mock Civil War battles,
wonder at a humorous travelling medicine man show, see 19th century
spiritualism demonstrations, meet an Abraham Lincoln presenter, listen
to period music, watch Victorian artisans, play children’s historic
games and toys, enjoy historical talks and a free Saturday evening concert.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Spiritualism demonstrations, presented by Shonica Hartless as a 19th
century medium, are a new addition to the event. “Spiritualism
became a major movement in America during the Civil War since so many
people lost loved ones during the conflict,” said Gerry Reilly,
Lanier site manager. “Mary Todd Lincoln was especially interested
in spiritualism and she attended several séances in the White
House.”
Lincoln presenter David Wolfe will also discuss Lincoln’s eerie
dreams and some of his other paranormal experiences.
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Photo
provided The
6th Kentucky Infantry Co. C |
Several Civil War re-enactor groups, including the Vernon
Greys, the Nelson Artillery Co., Freemans Battery and the 1st Wisconsin,
have agreed to participate in this year’s event. Besides an encampment,
the re-enactors will fire artillery on the hour, explain lives of Civil
War soldiers, fire a Gatling gun and conduct mock battles at 3 p.m.
Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. A remembrance ceremony to honor all those
who served in the Civil War from Jefferson County will kick-off the
event at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Jefferson County Civil War memorial
on the Visitor Center Plaza.
“We are excited about the return of Dr. Thelonious Balthasar’s
traveling medicine man show,” said Anne Fairchild, eastern region
program manager. “Audiences last year found Mike Follin’s
portrayal of a snake oil salesman, who claims his elixir can cure everything
from a common cold to a death of two weeks standing, hilarious,”
she added (Saturday only).
Historic Trades such as woodworking, blacksmithing, plastering and surveying
will also be demonstrated on the mansion grounds. Activities for children
include a carpenter’s apprentice area where children will be able
to use a hand-plane; make wooden pegs and play with old-time games and
toys. Civil War re-enactors will also explain their weapons, uniforms
and flags to children. All children’s activities will be available
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Historic presentations (both days) include Abraham Lincoln, portrayed
by David Wolfe; Flowing River performed by the Rivers Institute; Civil
War music, performed by Jed Marum; Spiritualism demonstrations, by Shonica
Hartless; and General George Thomas, portrayed by Daniel Hughes. Dr.
Thelonious Balthasar’s Traveling Medicine Man Show, by Mike Follin,
will be performed four times on Saturday.
Talks presented on Saturday include: Victorian Death Customs by Anne
Fairchild, 11 a.m.; Indiana’s Home Front During the Civil War by
Dr. Patricia Dillon, noon; The Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection
at the Indiana State Museum by Dale Ogden, 1 p.m.; and Lincoln and the
Speeds of Kentucky by Bryan Bush, 2 p.m.
• Bring your own lawn chairs for the free Civil War music
concert, performed by Jeff Marum, at 7 p.m. on the Lanier lawn. A resident
of Texas, Marum has been playing Civil War, Celtic or folk-bluegrass
music at festivals and concert venues around the United States since
1986.
Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students. Children 3 years old
and under are free. For more information, call (812) 273-0556 or visit:
www.indianamuseum.org/lanier.